INEC Should Learn from ECNBA’s Transparent Elections, Says Okutepa SAN
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), J.S. Okutepa, has praised the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), led by Oluseun Abimbola SAN, for its transparent handling of the association’s ongoing elections. Okutepa urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adopt the ECNBA’s practices to improve Nigeria’s electoral processes.
“The Nigerian Bar Association, through the ECNBA, has demonstrated what transparency in democratic processes means,” Okutepa remarked. “The ongoing elections for various offices are easy to follow and extremely transparent. Voters can only vote once, eliminating any room for manipulation or ballot stuffing.”
He highlighted the seamless nature of the voting process, noting the absence of technical glitches and the real-time availability of results. “The results are seen in real-time, and the exact time each lawyer casts their vote is known and visible after voting. Lawyers do not have to queue at polling units, no money is spent printing ballot papers, and there are no instances of ballot box snatching or electoral thuggery. INEC needs to learn from the Seun Abimbola SAN-led ECNBA,” Okutepa emphasized.
Okutepa commended the leadership of the NBA and the ECNBA for their exemplary conduct. He also outlined the significant responsibilities awaiting the incoming NBA president. “The next president of the NBA has the task of uniting the bar and becoming the leading voice for the voiceless. Urgent advocacy for electoral and other justice reforms is necessary. The NBA cannot continue to support flawed systems. The bar is in serious need of unity and must reclaim its vibrant state.”
He stressed the need for effective National Executive Council (NEC) meetings and the appointment of the best representatives in all organizations where the NBA has a presence. “Nigerian lawyers have done well in these elections, given what I have seen so far,” Okutepa concluded.
