‘Tinubu has brought toxic politics to NBA election’

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of attempting to influence the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) election, claiming it could be a sign of what to expect ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Atiku Media Office, he alleged that the government was attempting to impose a preferred candidate in the NBA election.

“We are concerned that President Bola Tinubu has brought his state-sponsored toxic politics of coronation to bear on the election of the Nigerian Bar Association,” the statement said.

Atiku also claimed the alleged actions reflected a wider plan to weaken opposition parties and influence future elections. “Curiously, this same strategy of imposition without allowing for free, fair and credible elections is what the Tinubu-led APC administration is working assiduously towards in the 2027 General Elections,” the statement added.

The former vice president alleged that government officials were using the courts and other state institutions to interfere in the NBA election, warning that such actions could threaten Nigeria’s democracy.

He further claimed that security agencies were being used to frustrate the election process, saying, “This desperation shows how the Tinubu-led APC government plans to use government agencies to rig the 2027 general elections.”

The allegations followed the circulation of a document reportedly linked to the Attorney General of the Federation, which suggested postponing the NBA election, dissolving the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA), changing the election service provider, introducing National Identification Number (NIN) verification, and setting up a caretaker committee.

However, the NBA rejected the reported recommendations.