Dare Babalola
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Afam Osigwe on Thursday called for collective action to defend Nigeria’s democracy, warning that democratic systems gradually deteriorate when citizens become silent and institutions lose public trust.
Osigwe, who spoke in a statement after attending the opening ceremony of the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association Abuja Branch, said democracy must be protected with “courage, conviction, and consistency.”
According to him, democracy does not collapse suddenly but weakens over time when the rule of law is treated as optional rather than sacrosanct.
He expressed concern that decades after Nigeria’s independence, questions still persist over the integrity and strength of the country’s democratic process.
“As I reflected on the state of our nation, one thing stood out clearly to me, it is deeply concerning that decades after independence, we are still confronted with fundamental questions about the integrity and strength of our democracy,” he said.
“A system that should inspire confidence among citizens must not continually leave room for doubt, uncertainty, and distrust.”
The NBA president noted that although the Constitution clearly provides that political power can only be attained through democratic means, the recurring controversies surrounding elections and governance continue to test public confidence in the system.
He stressed that democracy can only thrive when citizens, institutions, and political leaders remain committed to justice, accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.
Osigwe also described the theme of the 2026 NBA Abuja Branch Law Week as timely, particularly as discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to dominate national conversations.
“The ideas exchanged at gatherings like this have the power to influence institutions, inspire reforms, and strengthen public confidence in our democratic system,” he stated.
He urged Nigerians not to become indifferent to the responsibility of defending democratic values, adding that the survival of democracy depends on the willingness of the people to protect it.
Osigwe commended the NBA Abuja Branch for choosing what he described as a significant and thought-provoking theme for the Law Week and wished the branch a successful event.
