“SSS Cannot Disable Ballot Process And Observe Same Election” — Odinkalu Faults Alleged Detention Of NBA Service Provider’s MD

Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, has raised alarm over the alleged arrest of the Managing Director of the service provider engaged for the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association National Officers’ Election.

In a post on X, Odinkalu alleged that persons suspected to be agents of the State Security Service reportedly picked up the Managing Director of the service provider for NBADecides2026 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while he was on his way to Abuja.

According to him, the suspected operatives also allegedly confiscated the service provider’s laptop and phones and took him into custody.

Odinkalu claimed that the development was allegedly instigated by elements sympathetic to a particular candidate in the NBA election, describing it as an attempt to frustrate the conduct of the poll.

He further alleged that the incident was more troubling because the same SSS had reportedly confirmed in writing that its officials would be present to observe the mechanics of voting and ballot tabulation during the election.

According to him, it was difficult to understand how the SSS could allegedly interfere with the administration of the ballot while also presenting itself as an observer of the voting process.

“This is even more impressive because the same SSS had reportedly confirmed in writing that they were going to be present to observe the mechanics of voting and ballot tabulation in NBADecides2026. It is difficult to see how they can both disable ballot administration and observe balloting all at the same time,” he said.

Odinkalu alleged that the design was to frustrate the NBA election and achieve through coercive means what the courts had not allowed.

“The design, clearly, is to frustrate NBADecides2026 and bring about manu militari what the courts have told them they cannot do,” he added.

He also criticised what he described as the use of institutions and methods allegedly controlled by the ruling party, while some persons simultaneously accuse other candidates of being fronts for the same party.

The allegation comes amid heightened tension over the NBA election scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, following disputes over the ECNBA, the electronic voting platform, the role of the service provider, the Attorney-General of the Federation’s intervention, and recent court proceedings affecting the poll.

As of the time of this report, there was no official confirmation from the SSS, NBA, ECNBA or the service provider regarding the alleged arrest.

The allegation remains unverified.

The post “SSS Cannot Disable Ballot Process And Observe Same Election” — Odinkalu Faults Alleged Detention Of NBA Service Provider’s MD appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.