The 2027 presidential race took centre stage at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, on Monday, August 24, as presidential hopefuls and political figures debated Nigeria’s governance record, economic policies and the state of democracy.
The exchanges came during a plenary session at the week-long conference, which is being held from August 21 to 28 at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt under the theme, “Beyond Limits”.
The session featured African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor and Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, and other presidential aspirants, including Prince Adewole Adebayo.
The discussion provided an opportunity for the political figures to defend their records and positions on some of the country’s most pressing challenges ahead of the 2027 election.
Sowore questioned the decision to remove the petrol subsidy, arguing that the policy had imposed greater hardship on ordinary Nigerians.
He challenged politicians who supported the policy to account for its consequences, particularly for low-income citizens.
Sowore also confronted Amaechi over his record in government, referring to the former governor’s previous observation that many politicians seeking power had records of failure in public office.
He urged politicians seeking the presidency to acknowledge their past shortcomings and apologise to Nigerians where necessary.
Sowore also criticised Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State, particularly his administration’s handling of funding for education. He alleged that inadequate support contributed to prolonged strikes by lecturers and doctors during the period.
The exchanges reflected the broader debate over the records of politicians seeking to lead Nigeria in 2027, with questions around economic management, job creation, security, education, healthcare and accountability dominating the discussion.
The conference had earlier focused on the importance of strong institutions and an independent judiciary.
Declaring the conference open, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara urged lawyers and judges to defend constitutional democracy, fundamental rights and the rule of law.
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Fubara cautioned against political interference, corruption, unnecessary delays and excessive reliance on technicalities in the administration of justice.
He said the courts should remain a reliable avenue for ordinary Nigerians seeking justice and stressed that effective justice delivery was essential to maintaining law and order and supporting national development.
The governor also highlighted his administration’s investments in judicial infrastructure and measures aimed at strengthening judicial autonomy.
Former Liberian President George Weah, who delivered the keynote address, similarly called for an independent and impartial judiciary.
Weah urged Nigerian lawyers and judges to protect citizens’ rights and freedoms, stressing that democracy could not thrive without a fearless legal profession and a judiciary capable of acting without improper influence.
Outgoing NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, explained the association’s decision to return its annual conference to Port Harcourt after the 2025 event was moved from the state following the declaration of a state of emergency.
He said the return reflected the NBA’s commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and other speakers also highlighted the need for greater attention to ethics, professional responsibility and the role of the legal profession in strengthening democratic institutions.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and human rights advocates were among other prominent participants at the conference.
The NBA conference continues until August 28, with further plenary sessions and professional discussions expected to focus on law, governance, justice and national development.
The conference will also witness the inauguration of the association’s incoming leadership under Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN.