The Nigerian Bar Association, the umbrella professional body of all lawyers in the country are in the process of electing their new executives.

The process which is being monitored by PUNCH Online, shows that as of 6:20 pm, a former General Secretary of the association, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) is leading the polls with 18,385 votes.

The winner of the polls will succeed the outgoing president, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN).

Other contestants in the presidential category are the Chairman of the NBA-Institute of Continuing Legal Education Governing Council, Tobenna Erojikwe who has polled 10007 votes and former NBA Lagos Branch Chairman, Chukwuka Ikwuazom (SAN), with 8,556 votes.

The voting process which is online started at midnight on Saturday, to end at 11.59 pm.

Ikwuazom has however withdrawn from the race alleging that the process has been compromised and manipulated.

Ikwuazom, in a statement on Saturday, said the process has been fine-tuned to favour a predetermined outcome as the numbers displayed in the polls do not align with his number of supporters.

The statement read, “It is with a heavy heart that I, Chukwuka Ikwuazom, (SAN), announce my decision to withdraw from the 2024 Nigerian Bar Association Presidential race.

“This decision has not been made lightly but is necessitated by a series of alarming developments that have compromised the integrity of the electoral process. Since the commencement of voting earlier today, my supporters and I have observed disturbing patterns that do not align with the actual votes cast.

“It has become increasingly evident that the integrity of the electoral process has been compromised. Despite the overwhelming support from my dedicated supporters, the reported figures do not align with the true expression of our votes. It would appear that the system has been manipulated to favour a predetermined outcome, consistently placing me in third position. As a candidate committed to upholding transparency and the rule of law, I cannot in good conscience continue to participate in a compromised electoral process.

Therefore, I am withdrawing from the presidential race effective immediately. While today marks a sombre moment for our bar, let us remain resolute in our commitment to upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and integrity within our noble profession. Together, we must continue to strive for a bar association that is free from manipulation and true to the aspirations of its members.”