NBA confirms Port Harcourt as host for 2026 conference, but only if democratic institutions are restored in Rivers State.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has confirmed that its 2026 Annual General Conference will be held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, but only if democratic institutions in the state are fully restored.
NBA President Makes Announcement in Enugu
Speaking at the ongoing 2025 NBA Annual Conference in Enugu, the National President of the association, Afam Osigwe (SAN), disclosed the decision.
“Our next conference will take place in Port Harcourt. But our going to Port Harcourt is on a condition — that democratic institutions are restored and succeed,” Osigwe declared.
Why the Conference Was Moved from Rivers to Enugu
The NBA had originally scheduled the 2025 conference to take place in Rivers State. However, the association relocated it to Enugu following the political crisis that rocked Rivers earlier this year.
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President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in the state, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all other elected officials.
The NBA condemned the move, describing it as an assault on democratic governance. In protest, the association demanded the reversal of the emergency declaration and moved the annual gathering to Enugu.
NBA Reaffirms Commitment to Democracy
By setting conditions for its return to Port Harcourt, the NBA is signaling its continued stand in defense of constitutional order. The association maintains that Rivers State must experience full democratic stability before hosting the next conference.
The announcement has drawn attention across the legal community, with many interpreting it as both a message of hope and a firm call for political accountability in Rivers State.
Port Harcourt as a Legal and Political Hub
If the conditions are met, Port Harcourt is expected to host thousands of lawyers, judges, and legal experts from across Nigeria and beyond in 2026. The conference will serve as a platform for debates on legal reforms, governance, and the rule of law.