Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), has refuted claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a preferred candidate for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Presidency.
Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), clarified that the President has not instructed anyone to campaign for any specific candidate in the ongoing NBA election.
In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, Fagbemi addressed rumors circulating on social media about President Tinubu endorsing Afam Osigwe, SAN.
“My attention has been drawn to social media reports suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed Afam Osigwe, SAN, as his preferred candidate in the NBA election. To support these false claims, my name has been referenced. I categorically state that at no time did the President give such an instruction. I dissociate myself from this statement as it is entirely untrue.”
Fagbemi further confirmed that there had been no discussion between the President and any author or group regarding the NBA election.
“I can confirm that the President neither discussed this matter with the author nor issued any divisive instructions. I have not had any such discussions with anyone. The news is a complete fabrication by mischief makers seeking to exploit the President’s popularity among lawyers.”
He reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to democratic principles and his intention to respect the outcome of a fair election. “President Tinubu is a democrat who plays by the rules. He has not and will not endorse any candidate in the NBA election. As a democrat and President, he will respect the outcome of a fair election and is prepared to work with whoever emerges.”
Fagbemi called on those trying to sow discord within the NBA and between President Tinubu and the association to stop their actions. “I urge those attempting to create disaffection among NBA members and between the President and the NBA to cease their unproductive efforts. The President wishes the NBA a smooth election and looks forward to working with the elected candidate.”
