Ekwe Petitions NBA Garki Election Committee Over Alleged Nomination Timetable Breach

The forthcoming election of the Nigerian Bar Association, Garki Branch, has come under scrutiny following allegations that some candidates obtained nomination forms before the officially approved date.

A petition filed before the NBA Appeal Committee by Emmanuel Umahi Ekwe accused the Electoral Committee of breaching its own timetable by allowing early access to nomination forms.

The petitioner stated that the committee had fixed March 24, 2026, as the commencement date for the sale and collection of nomination forms. However, records cited in the petition allegedly showed that some aspirants obtained their forms before that date.

According to the petition, a chairmanship aspirant, Alkali Adamu Askira, allegedly obtained his nomination form on March 16, 2026, while Okoye Jennifer Onyeka, who is contesting for the position of Social Secretary, was also said to have obtained her form on the same date.

It further alleged that a secretary aspirant, Olagundoye Gbenga Paul, obtained his nomination form as early as March 3, 2026.

The petitioner argued that the development violated the approved electoral timetable and conferred undue advantage on the affected candidates, thereby undermining fairness and equal opportunity in the electoral process.

“This is not a minor irregularity but a direct breach of the electoral timetable that strikes at the heart of the credibility of the process,” Ekwe stated.

He added that any nomination obtained outside the stipulated timeframe was fundamentally defective and incapable of conferring eligibility on any candidate.

Ekwe urged the Appeal Committee to declare the early issuance of nomination forms unlawful, disqualify the affected candidates, and direct the Electoral Committee to ensure strict adherence to its guidelines.

He said the integrity of the election must be protected, warning that any compromise at the nomination stage could affect the credibility of the entire process.

The petition also raised concerns that allowing the candidates to remain in the race could undermine confidence in the outcome of the election.