More facts have emerged on the victory of Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud (SAN) as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in the just concluded elections.
Mahmoud polled 3,055 votes against Joseph Kyari Gadzama (SAN)’s 2,384 votes in the July 29 to 31 election, which was conducted over the internet (i-voting).
Many lawyers did not have to converge at a venue as was the practice in the past. Rather, they voted in the comfort of their homes with various mobile, internet devices at their disposal.
After the deadline for the accreditation of members was extended till July 31, I-voting commenced at 12 midnight on Friday, July 29 until July 31 when the winner emerged. A call centre was set up to address voting challenges.
It has been found that Mahmoud’s conservative, yet affable and urbane demeanour endeared him to many lawyers across the country.
Also, his internet driven campaign slogan of #ABraveNewBar anchored on four pillars of ‘Regulation, Representation, Re-engineering and Public Interest’ resonated with young lawyers, senior lawyers, partners and other stakeholders.
The pathway to the election was made on Friday July 29 after an FCT High Court struck out an application by former NBA Assistant Publicity Secretary, John Austin Unachukwu, challenging the i-voting.
Other winners are Mr. Caleb Gal Dajan, first vice president; Mr. Monday Ubani, second vice president and Mr. Benedict Oji, third vice president, all of whom were returned unopposed. Olagunju Isiaka Abiola defeated Desmond Yamah to become the general secretary.
The Austin Alegeh (SAN)-led executive is expected to hand over to Mahmoud after the NBA Annual General Conference (AGC) in Port Harcourt billed to commence on August 19 to 26.
Commenting on the outcome of the election, NEC-endorsed chairman of the Abuja branch, Ezenwa Anumnu congratulated the new president and asked him to run an inclusive administration for the benefit of the NBA.
He also commended the out-going president, Austin Alegeh (SAN), general secretary, Afam Osigwe and chairman of Electoral Committee, Ken Mozia (SAN) for ‘a job thoroughly well done’, adding that the association has never had it so good in terms of coordination and planning.
“The process was very open, transparent and very free. One or two hitches, but I score them excellent. Overall I am very happy with the outcome.
“I would like Nigeria to adopt it especially now that we are having more inclusiveness in our elections. And we are going to implement diaspora voting, with more number than the NBA, so we need to guarantee more people have opportunity to exercise their franchise,” he said.
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