The 2026 Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) conferment process faces a potential legal block. The Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has issued a pre-action notice to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, requesting an immediate suspension of the selection proceedings.
This development follows the June 23, 2026, announcement by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) of 89 shortlisted candidates. The list, released by Supreme Court Registrar Kabir Eniola Akanbi, includes 77 advocates and 12 academics heading into the final interview stage.
ALDRAP, represented by its Executive Director Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, contends that the process should be halted because the issue is currently sub-judice. The association is involved in an active Court of Appeal case regarding its attempt to introduce the ‘Blue Silks’ rank for non-litigation lawyers. While an Abuja Federal High Court previously issued a permanent injunction against the Blue Silks initiative, ALDRAP has appealed the ruling.
Administrative Secretary Jesse Amuga argues that proceeding with the SAN selection while the appeal is pending constitutes a disregard for the judicial process. ALDRAP maintains that under Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, its members have the right to establish alternative ranks outside the scope of the Legal Practitioners Act of 1962. The association is prepared to initiate a lawsuit seeking an Order of Certiorari against the Chief Justice and the LPPC secretary to force the withdrawal of the current candidate list if the process is not suspended.
