“Court Suspends NBA Port Harcourt Branch Election” — Orders Fresh Authentic Voters’ List, Fixes July 6 For Hearing

The High Court of Rivers State sitting in Port Harcourt has suspended the Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch election earlier scheduled to hold on Friday, June 26, 2026.

Justice Sika Henry Aprioku granted the interim order on Thursday after hearing arguments from counsel representing the applicants and the defendants in the suit challenging the conduct of the branch election.

The court ordered the suspension of the election to allow for the preparation of a proper and authentic voters’ list and to forestall a possible breakdown of law and order.

The ruling followed a suit filed by aggrieved members of the branch over alleged irregularities in the voters’ list prepared for the election.

At the proceedings, the claimants were represented by Rev. Chris Itamunoala, Dennis Okwakpam, Esq., and Reginald Ugwuadu, Esq.

The defendants were represented by Sunny Wogu, SAN; Ayo Adediji, SAN; Frank A. Chukuka; Romeo Osima Isokariari; Obum Nwoye; E. Adums; Sanipe; K.C. Nwabugo; G.S. Nwadioga; and C.S. Nwogu.

After listening to both sides, the court granted an interim order suspending the election pending further proceedings.

The court also ordered the applicants to enter an undertaking in the sum of ₦5 million.

The matter was adjourned to July 6, 2026, for hearing.

The decision comes amid rising tension within the NBA Port Harcourt Branch over the election, particularly allegations that the final voters’ list was flawed, contained duplicated names and allegedly included ineligible voters.

The suit had also questioned the competence and neutrality of the Branch Electoral Committee, with the applicants seeking, among other reliefs, the nullification of the voters’ list and the disbandment of the Electoral Committee.

With the interim order now granted, the branch election will not proceed as earlier scheduled unless the court varies or discharges the order.