The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, has refuted claims that President Bola Tinubu has endorsed a candidate in the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) election. Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), described the reports as "a lie from the pit of hell" and emphasized that the president has not instructed anyone to canvass votes for any particular candidate.
In a statement personally signed by the minister, he stated that the president is a democrat who believes in playing by the rules and will abide by the outcome of a free and fair election. Fagbemi also dissociated himself from the reports, emphasizing that he had no discussion with anyone regarding the endorsement.
The minister urged those spreading misinformation to desist from causing disaffection among NBA members and between the president and the association. He reiterated that the president wishes the NBA a hitch-free election and is willing to work with whoever emerges as the winner.
The reports had claimed that President Tinubu had endorsed Afam Osigwe, SAN, as his preferred candidate in the NBA election. However, Fagbemi's statement has clarified the president's neutral stance on the matter, emphasizing his commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law.