Lawyers Demand NBA Probe Into Yakubu Dogara Over Alleged Electoral Misconduct
By Khalid Idris Doya
A coalition of legal practitioners has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to investigate former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Barrister Yakubu Dogara, over statements they say amount to an admission of electoral malpractice.
The group, operating under the banner of Concerned Lawyers of Integrity and Justice, petitioned the NBA, urging swift disciplinary action against Dogara for remarks suggesting undue political influence in Bauchi State’s 2019 gubernatorial election.
In a letter addressed to the NBA President and obtained by our correspondent on Thursday, the lawyers referenced Dogara’s recent public statement, where he accused Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed of betraying the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Dogara had alleged that Wike played a major role in funding Bala Mohammed’s election—claims the petitioners argue could indicate a violation of Nigeria’s electoral laws.
Allegations of Electoral Malpractice
The petition, signed by the group’s convener, Barrister Hussaini Saraki, describes Dogara’s remarks as an implicit admission of facilitating undue financial influence in an election. They contend that such actions, if proven, contravene the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits financial inducement and external manipulation of electoral processes.
They further cited the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC) 2007, which mandate lawyers to uphold ethical standards and refrain from conduct that compromises public trust in the legal profession.
Legal Basis for NBA Sanctions
The petition draws on key judicial precedents, including Abdulrahman Muhammad Tumbido v. INEC & Ors (2023) and Gbenoba v. L.P.D.C. (2021), which reaffirm the courts’ stance against electoral misconduct and legal practitioners’ involvement in unethical political activities.
The lawyers insist that Dogara’s comments warrant a full investigation and, if found guilty, disciplinary measures such as suspension or revocation of his legal practicing certificate.
Call for Urgent NBA Action
Warning that inaction could erode public confidence in the legal system, the petitioners urged the NBA to take decisive steps in upholding the integrity of both the legal profession and Nigeria’s democratic process.
“The credibility of our democracy and legal profession is at stake. The NBA must act swiftly to ensure that no legal practitioner, regardless of status, is above the law,” the letter read.
As of press time, the NBA has yet to respond to the petition.