A major lawyers’ forum has raised an alarm over the annulment of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) electoral process, warning that it threatens the credibility of the association’s internal democracy and casts a shadow over preparations for the 2026 NBA national elections.

In a strongly-worded statement, the Egbe Amofin Oodua (Yoruba Lawyers’ Forum) described the cancellation as a “dangerous signal.” It alleged that the NBA President unilaterally halted the already-advanced SPIDEL election and installed a caretaker committee to run the section for two years.

The Forum pointed to public allegations by one of the affected candidates, Dr. Anne Agi, regarding how the process was abruptly terminated during the SPIDEL Annual General Conference in Uyo. It likened the development to the historic annulment of Nigeria’s June 12, 1993, presidential election, stating it undermines democratic principles in an association that champions the rule of law.

“The NBA has consistently positioned itself as the voice of due process and democracy in Nigeria. This action from within is not only ironic but deeply damaging to its moral authority,” the statement read.

Expressing worry over rising partisanship ahead of the 2026 polls, the Forum declared it has lost confidence in the current NBA leadership’s ability to supervise a fair election. It also questioned the neutrality of the recently constituted NBA 2026 Electoral Committee.

The group dismissed the NBA’s official response to Dr. Agi’s allegations as inadequate, noting it failed to justify the annulment on the basis of formal complaints or due process.

Consequently, Egbe Amofin Oodua is demanding the immediate dissolution of the 2026 Electoral Committee and is calling on past NBA Presidents and trustees to intervene to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming election. It vowed to resist any attempt to manipulate the 2026 process, describing it as a defining moment for the Bar.

The Forum also pledged solidarity with the affected candidates—Dr. Anne Agi, Bridget Udokwe, and Barbara Onwubiko—commending their courage in speaking out and promising support in resisting undemocratic practices within the NBA.