Tension erupted at the premises of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, on Friday as lawyers staged protests over the conduct of the branch’s leadership election, raising concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.
According to information available to 9NEWS NIGERIA* the branch has been embroiled in a prolonged leadership crisis following the postponement of its election, which was initially scheduled to hold about two weeks ago.
Sources familiar with the development alleged that the controversy stems from disagreements over the Electoral Committee (ELECO), with accusations that some members were attempting to compromise the electoral process.
A source who spoke with our correspondent claimed that while one group of lawyers insisted the election should proceed on Friday, July 24, 2026, another faction demanded its cancellation, alleging that the process had been compromised in the interest of certain individuals.
The protest reportedly drew a significant security presence, with officers of the Nigeria Police Force deployed to the NBA complex to maintain law and order and prevent any breakdown of peace.
As of the time of filing this report, the national leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association had not issued an official statement regarding the crisis affecting its Port Harcourt Branch.
