Lawyers Petition NBA To Probe Yakubu Dogara Over Alleged Electoral Malpractice

A legal advocacy group, Concerned Lawyers of Integrity and Justice, has petitioned the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to investigate and possibly sanction former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, over allegations of electoral malpractice linked to the 2019 Bauchi State gubernatorial election.

In a letter addressed to NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, and obtained by journalists in Bauchi, the group called for an inquiry into Dogara’s alleged statements and actions, which they claim violate electoral laws and professional ethics. The letter, signed by Barrister Hussaini Saraki, urged the NBA to consider disciplinary measures, including suspension or revocation of Dogara’s legal practicing certificate if found guilty.

The petitioners allege that Dogara, in recent statements, admitted to facilitating electoral malpractice by introducing Senator Bala Mohammed to Governor Nyesom Wike, who purportedly funded and influenced the PDP primaries in Bauchi State. They argue that this raises serious ethical concerns about Dogara’s conduct as a lawyer and public servant.

They further claim that Dogara’s remarks stem from his resentment over the defeat of his preferred gubernatorial candidate in the last Bauchi State election, accusing him of attempting to discredit and destabilise the political process.

“The admission by Yakubu Dogara is both disgraceful and damaging to the reputation of the legal profession in Nigeria. Lawyers, as custodians of justice, are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity,” the letter stated.

The petition cites several legal and professional frameworks supporting disciplinary action against Dogara, including:

• Electoral Act 2022 – which criminalises undue influence and manipulation of electoral processes, categorising participation in such acts as electoral fraud.
• Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) 2007 – particularly Rule 1, which mandates lawyers to uphold ethical standards and refrain from actions that undermine the rule of law.
• Judicial Precedents – including Abdulrahman Muhammad Tumbido v. INEC & Ors (2023) 15 NWLR (Pt. 1907) 301 SC, where the Supreme Court condemned actions that compromise electoral integrity. In Gbenoba v. L.P.D.C. (2021) 6 NWLR (Pt. 1773) 499, the Supreme Court upheld disciplinary action against a legal practitioner for professional misconduct.

The group warned that failure to investigate Dogara’s alleged admission could erode public trust in both the legal and electoral systems. They urged the NBA to act decisively in upholding professional ethics and ensuring accountability within the legal profession.

As of now, Yakubu Dogara has not publicly responded to the allegations, and the NBA is yet to issue an official statement on the petition.