In a surprising development that is likely to send ripples through the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ziacham Bayei, Esq., a member of the NBA’s Security Agencies Relations Committee (NBA-SARC), has publicly endorsed Tobenna Erojikwe for the position of NBA President in the upcoming elections scheduled for July 20, 2024.
This endorsement has garnered significant attention within legal circles, as it comes just days after the NBA-SARC’s town hall meeting held on July 16, 2024, in Abuja. The timing of the announcement adds weight to its impact, as it follows closely on the heels of this important committee event.
The endorsement is particularly noteworthy as it appears to break ranks with the current chairman of NBA-SARC, Chukwuka Ikwuazom, who is also a candidate in the presidential race.
In a brief but impactful statement, Bayei declared, “I, Ziacham Bayei, Esq., a member of the NBA-SARC, hereby endorse Tobenna Erojikwe as the next NBA President at the forthcoming NBA National Elections on July 20, 2024.”
The endorsement highlights the diverse opinions within the NBA-SARC and suggests that the race for the NBA presidency is far from predictable. It also raises questions about the unity within the committee and whether other members might follow Bayei’s lead in supporting candidates other than their chairman.
As the election date rapidly approaches, this endorsement may prompt other NBA members to publicly declare their support for their preferred candidates, potentially leading to a more dynamic and unpredictable race in the final days before the vote.
The NBA elections are closely watched by the legal community in Nigeria, as the outcome will determine the leadership and direction of the association for the next two years. With endorsements like this coming from unexpected quarters and so close to the election date, the race for the NBA presidency continues to be a topic of intense interest and speculation among legal professionals across the country.
