PHOTOS: Amaechi Storms Port Harcourt for NBA Conference

Former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has arrived in Port Harcourt to represent the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

Amaechi arrived at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, the venue of the conference, ahead of a presidential aspirants’ session themed “Politics, People, and Nigeria’s Future: Forget the Slogans.”

The former governor is attending the session as Atiku’s representative as the ADC presidential candidate continues preparations for the 2027 general election.

The NBA conference brings together lawyers from across Nigeria and is expected to feature discussions on the country’s political direction, governance, democracy, justice and the future of the nation.

Amaechi’s appearance at the conference also comes weeks after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) published the personal particulars and nomination documents submitted by Atiku and his running mate ahead of the 2027 election.

The documents, contained in Form EC9, were published in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires INEC to make the personal particulars of nominated candidates available for public scrutiny.

The documents submitted by Atiku and Amaechi contain their personal information, educational qualifications, work history, affidavits and supporting credentials filed through the ADC.

Atiku’s nomination papers show that he listed his First School Leaving Certificate, obtained in 1954, and his West African School Certificate, obtained in 1961. He also declared a Master of Arts degree in International Relations obtained in 2020.

His work history shows that he served in the Nigerian Customs Service from 1969 to 1989 before becoming Vice President of Nigeria in 1999. He served as vice president until 2007 after completing two terms.

Atiku is listed in Form EC9 as a businessman seeking election as President under the platform of the ADC.

Amaechi’s documents show that he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1970 and his West African Examinations Council certificate in 1977.

He also submitted a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of Port Harcourt, where he graduated with Second Class Honours, Lower Division, in 1983.

His work history states that he served as a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly between 1999 and 2007 before becoming governor of Rivers State in 2007.

Amaechi governed Rivers State until 2015, when he was appointed Minister of Transportation. He served in the federal cabinet until 2022 before leaving the position to pursue elective office.

His appearance in Port Harcourt is also significant because of his long political career in Rivers State, where he served both as a lawmaker and governor.

TIMESNG reported in July that the NBA is set for a new leadership following the election of Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, as its president.

Badejo-Okusanya emerged victorious in the association’s 2026 presidential election after defeating Lateef Akangbe, SAN, and Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN.

She secured 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the total votes cast, while Akangbe polled 7,934 votes and Akinboro received 5,855 votes.

Following her victory, Badejo-Okusanya promised to lead the association with integrity, courage, fairness and accountability.

“I am truly humbled by the confidence that members of the Nigerian Bar Association have reposed in me by electing me to serve as your President,” she said.

She also called on lawyers to unite after the election, stressing that the contest had ended and that the association had to focus on advancing the legal profession.

“The election is over. We are one Bar, united by a common commitment to the advancement of our profession and the defence of justice and the rule of law,” she said.

Badejo-Okusanya further promised to prioritise the welfare of lawyers during her tenure.

“I pledge to lead with integrity, courage, humility, fairness, and accountability. I will be a President for every member of the Nigerian Bar Association. Together, we will build an Association where every lawyer has the opportunity to earn better, live better, and practise better,” she said.

Her emergence as NBA president also made history as she became only the second woman to lead the association.