Ęgbé Amòfin Oòdu’À (The Yoruba Lawyers Forum), the umbrella body of lawyers of Yoruba extraction, has raised strong concerns over the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Elections, calling for the use of National Identification Number (NIN) linked mobile numbers for transmission of voting credentials as against use of emails.

In a communique made available to CITY LAWYER on the heels of its 2026 National Conference, the influential forum of Yoruba lawyers “noted persistent concerns regarding the integrity, transparency and reliability of the current electronic voting framework employed in NBA elections.”

Continuing, the conference “recommended that NBA elections should henceforth incorporate stronger voter authentication mechanisms, including the transmission of voting credentials to registered telephone numbers of eligible voters and the integration of National Identification Number (NIN) verification systems.”

The forum “further recommended the adoption of additional technological safeguards capable of ensuring transparency, accountability and the integrity of the electoral process.”

Turning specifically to NBA presidential election, the forum “revalidated Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN as the forum’s sole Presidential candidate for the 2026 NBA election, alongside a specific list of adopted candidates for other national offices.”

It demanded the “immediate release of teachers and pupils abducted in the Old Oyo National Park corridor” and also supported the National Assembly’s legislative steps to establish State Police to fix centralized policing limits.

Themed “Advancing Constitutional Democracy, Accountability and Responsible Governance: The Role of Law,” the event gathered over 700 legal professionals and stakeholders from Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States. It held at the prestigious Ojaja Resort in Ile-Ife, Osun State, from June 17 to 19, 2026.

Other Key Decisions and Recommendations

• NBA Electoral Reforms: Demanded the immediate dissolution of the current Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) due to neutrality concerns. Proposed rebuilding it transparently and introducing NIN verification and phone-based credential transmission for safer electronic voting.
• Judiciary & Rule of Law: Reaffirmed the absolute necessity of obeying court orders. Urged judges to maintain high integrity and legal practitioners to uphold strict ethical standards.
• Regional Collaboration: Advocated for closer cooperation among South-West states regarding infrastructure, economic planning, security, transportation, and legal harmonization.
• Young Lawyers: Emphasized the need for senior lawyers to actively invest in mentorship, ongoing education, and leadership paths for the younger generation.

Below is the full text of the Annual Conference.

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