- Safiu Kehinde
Lateef Akangbe (SAN), one of the candidates contesting for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Presidency, has alleged disenfranchisement and double voting at the ongoing election.
Akangbe made the allegation in a statement issued on his X handle on Saturday.
This is coming hours after he called for the suspension of the election over alleged rigging and sabotage.
NPO Reported that the NBA presidential candidate further questioned the efficiency of the portal and the integrity of the database.
Akangbe highlighted his demands which included the immediate suspension of the election, preservation and quarantine of all data, and commissioning of independent technical audit of the voting platform.
With his suspension call ignored as the election continued, Akangbe would again raise fresh concerns over the conduct of the election as he alleged voters’ disenfranchisement and double voting.
The NBA presidential candidate claimed he is yet to cast his vote despite being one of the contenders.
While several lawyers were also unable to vote, Akangbe alleged that some were enabled to vote twice.
“Throughout the ongoing NBA elections, I have received reports from lawyers across the country who say they have been unable to cast their votes due to challenges with the voting process.
“Regrettably, I have also been unable to cast my own vote despite repeated attempts. We have records showing that the system allows people to vote twice, when it should be one member one vote.” He wrote.
Akangbe held that every eligible member of the NBA deserves the opportunity to participate in a free, fair, transparent, and credible election.
He urged his supporters who are yet to vote to keep trying the portal.
“The integrity of our democratic process must inspire confidence in every voter. To everyone who believes in this vision, I urge you: do not give up.
“Continue trying to exercise your right to vote for as long as the voting window remains open. Leadership is tested most in difficult moments.
“Let us remain peaceful, resolute, and committed to protecting the credibility of our Association.” He added.