The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), through its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), has called for courage, consistency, and collective responsibility in defending Nigeria’s democracy, warning that democratic systems weaken gradually when citizens and institutions fail to actively safeguard them.
This was part of remarks delivered by the NBA President at the opening ceremony of the 2026 NBA Abuja Branch Law Week, where discussions centred on strengthening democratic governance and the rule of law in Nigeria.
Osigwe noted that democracy does not collapse overnight but erodes over time when public trust in institutions declines and when constitutional principles are treated as optional rather than binding.
He stressed that although the Nigerian Constitution provides that political power must be attained through democratic means, the sustainability of democracy depends largely on the commitment of citizens, institutions, and leaders to uphold justice, accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.
The NBA President expressed concern that years after independence, Nigeria continues to grapple with fundamental questions about the integrity of its democratic process, especially in the conduct of elections and governance.
With conversations already building ahead of the 2027 general elections, he said platforms such as the Law Week remain critical in shaping ideas that can influence reforms and strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions.
He urged stakeholders across all sectors to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting democratic values, warning against apathy and indifference, which he described as dangerous to national stability.
Osigwe also commended the NBA Abuja Branch for choosing a timely theme for its Law Week and wished the branch a successful and impactful event.
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