*Question lack of electoral misconduct proof
The announcement by Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN, a prominent candidate in the 2024 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Presidential election, to withdraw from the race has sparked a range of reactions from lawyers across the country. Ikwuazom’s decision comes with less than 8 hours remaining for voting to conclude, and over 37,546 eligible members yet to cast their votes as of Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 03:56 PM.
Some lawyers have condemned Ikwuazom for throwing in the towel early, pointing out that he should have raised concerns about the electoral process before the election and waited for the outcome as a noble lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). One lawyer stated, “An unfortunate allegation. I’m not doing well in the voting, so it must have been manipulated against me. Sadly, we’ve seen the same sentiment shared even in the most advanced democracy in the world and supported by roughly half its electorate.”
Another lawyer questioned Ikwuazom’s timing, saying, “Patience is a virtue sir. You could have waited and gathered your evidence to challenge the result. Now that you withdraw, what would be the basis to contest the outcome?”
However, some lawyers have called for understanding and cautioned against hastily castigating Ikwuazom. One senior lawyer expressed concern, stating, “I’ve not slept since 11.52pm last night, I have been monitoring the process. What went wrong, please? At what point, please?”
Meanwhile, supporters of other candidates have urged their colleagues to continue voting. A lawyer from the Lagos branch posted in a lawyer group, saying, “Hello Everyone, We still have over 40,000 unaccounted votes, meaning these lawyers have not yet voted. Let’s reach out across jurisdictions, call on friends and colleagues to check their emails (including spam mail) and sms alerts for voting links from the ECNBA so that they can exercise their franchise. Let’s focus on the Lagos candidate who has not withdrawn. Only Tobenna Erojikwe from Lagos Branch is still in the race.”
Supporters of the leading candidate, Afam Osigwe, have attributed his success to his early and vigorous campaigning. One lawyer commented, ” He Engaged all bars from Northern Nigeria. A bulk of votes came from that region, while Lagos divided their votes among Tobenna and Chukwuka. So I’m not surprised. I saw Afam campaign vigorously. Imagine! After a small loss, he is crying wolf! What if he wanted to be president of Nigeria? This is another 3rd-place candidate claiming ‘I ought to win’.”
On the other hand, a supporter of Chukwuka Ikwuazom expressed disappointment, stating, “I proudly voted for him but what led to his early withdrawal is beyond my range of knowledge at this time.”
Some lawyers have criticized Ikwuazom’s decision to withdraw and allege manipulations as cowardly. One lawyer remarked, “The defeat is roundly overwhelming and speaks volume of his unpopularity and unacceptability amongst lawyers in Nigeria. It is a shameful defeat, giving his 3rd position. It is too late to save his face!”
Another lawyer opposed casting aspersions on the electoral process without proof, saying, “It is wrong to cast aspersion on the integrity of the electoral process without proof of any act or omission by the ECNBA that can be interpreted to ‘appear that the system has been manipulated to favour a predetermined outcome.’ Why is it that we find it difficult to accept defeat whenever it stares us in the face?”
As the NBA Presidential election draws to a close, the withdrawal of Chukwuka Ikwuazom, SAN, has elicited a mix of reactions from the legal community. While some question his decision and timing, others call for understanding and emphasize the need for all lawyers to exercise their voting rights. The final outcome of the election remains to be seen as the remaining votes are tallied.
According to the updated vote count for the NBA Presidential election as of Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 03:56 PM:
– Total votes tallied: 34,391
– Abstentions: 134
The three presidential candidates have received the following votes:
1. Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN: 16,886 votes
2. Mr Tobenna Chigbo Erojikwe: 9,326 votes
3. Chukwuka Nwabueze Ikwuazom, SAN: 8,179 votes
In terms of percentages:
– Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN: 49.10%
– Mr Tobenna Chigbo Erojikwe: 27.12%
– Chukwuka Nwabueze Ikwuazom, SAN: 23.78%
To calculate the remaining number of people who have yet to vote in the Presidential election, given that 72,071 members are qualified and eligible to vote:
Remaining voters = Total eligible voters – (Total votes tallied + Abstentions)
Remaining voters = 72,071 – (34,391 + 134)
Remaining voters = 72,071 – 34,525
Remaining voters = 37,546
Therefore, 37,546 eligible members have yet to cast their votes in the NBA Presidential election.
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