Barely 24 hours after CITY LAWYER reported the exclusion of Midwest presidential aspirants in the high-profile debate slated for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference, the leadership of the NBA has rectified the situation.

CITY LAWYER had yesterday reported the exclusion of former NBA First Vice President, John Aikpokpo-Martins and former NBA Third Vice President Amanda Demechi-Asagba from the eagerly awaited debate titled “A peep into the future.” Both have now been included in the debate.

The highly suggestive theme for the debate anticipates that the aspirants will deploy the coveted AGC platform to enlighten NBA members on their blueprint for the association if elected, even as informal activities for next year’s elections gather steam.

However, a flyer announcing the debate showed that only presidential aspirants from the South West bloc of the Western Zone were listed for the debate, raising posers on whether the NBA Leadership had micro-zoned the NBA Presidency to the South West bloc. The 2026-2028 NBA Presidency is zoned to the Western Zone comprising South West and Midwest blocs.

Among the South West aspirants originally invited for the debate were Mr. Olumuyiwa Akinboro SAN, Mr. Yemi Akangbe SAN, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN-designate) and Prof. Foluke Dada-Lawson.

Aikpokpo-Martins had told CITY LAWYER that he was “disappointed” by his exclusion from the debate, even as he stated that he was “consulting to determine what gave rise to this very concerning development.” 

No sooner had the CITY LAWYER report gone viral than many stakeholders and Bar Leaders begun to react to the development.

Former NBA Second Vice President Chukwuemeka Clement wrote: “Except , the current leadership of NBA ably led by a core Bar man Afam Osigwe SAN has assumed the duties of ECNBA 2026 when the time is not ripe to dish out regulation on micro zoning adherence and lifting of campaign to intending aspirants to the office of the President of NBA and other offices . Let the current President thread with caution and allow the democratic nature of NBA to run itself .”

Fiery Bar activist Barbara Tosan Onwubiko wrote: “As members of the Nigerian Bar Association, we have the right to see, hear, and scrutinise all aspirants, especially those vying for the office of the President. Mr President Afam Osigwe , please remember that you were once a presidential aspirant; Mr Chairman Akajiugo Emeka Obegolu , we hope to witness your candidacy for the same position in the NBA. This administration should be cautious to avoid setting a dangerous precedent that could erode trust in its leadership. History will judge us harshly, we must do what is right.

“I believe this situation is likely a mistake or oversight, particularly because the Midwest presidential candidates have not been as clear and open about their aspirations as the candidates from the Southwest who appear to be stronger contenders. I trust that the leadership of the NBA will address this matter appropriately.”

When contacted, the Chairman of the AGC Planning Committee (AGCPC), Dr. Emeka Obegolu declined comment on the matter. A close associate however vowed that it was an “oversight,” saying the AGCPC leadership was not aware that the Midwest aspirants were interested in the presidency.

Speaking with CITY LAWYER, Aikpokpo-Martins stated that “After interactions, the misconception has now been cleared.” 

He expression gratitude to the AGCPC leadership, saying he is “looking forward to the debate.” He however warned that “We cannot peep into the future without glancing into the past.” 

The immediate past NBA Third Vice President Demechi-Asagba could not be reached for comments.

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