Badejo-Okusanya clinches NBA presidency 2026
The winners of the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national elections were confirmed on Sunday, following the completion of voting and the release of results by the electoral committee. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya was declared the 33rd President of the NBA, defeating two other seasoned barristers to take the helm from 2026 to 2028.
The results were announced by the Chairman of the NBA Electoral Committee (ECNBA), SAN Aham Ejelam, at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja. Badejo-Okusanya secured 12,317 votes, amounting to 47.18 per cent of the total, edging out her nearest rival, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, who received 7,934 votes (30.39 per cent). Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, trailed with 5,855 votes (22.43 per cent).
*NBA President, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya
Etim Ekpimah
The winners of the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national elections were confirmed on Sunday, following the completion of voting and the release of results by the electoral committee. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya was declared the 33rd President of the NBA, defeating two other seasoned barristers to take the helm from 2026 to 2028.
The results were announced by the Chairman of the NBA Electoral Committee (ECNBA), SAN Aham Ejelam, at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja. Badejo-Okusanya secured 12,317 votes, amounting to 47.18 per cent of the total, edging out her nearest rival, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, who received 7,934 votes (30.39 per cent). Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, trailed with 5,855 votes (22.43 per cent).
Her victory makes Badejo-Okusanya the second woman to lead the NBA, following Priscilla Kuye, who presided from 1991 to 1992. The ECNBA’s portal, corroborated by Ejelam, shows a turnout of 26,184 voters from a total registered membership of 82,172, representing 31.86 per cent participation.
The ballot results, summarised, are as follows for the top offices:
- President: Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN — 12,317 votes (47.18%) [Winner]; Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN — 7,934 (30.39%); Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN — 5,855 (22.43%).
- First Vice-President: Chief Oghenero Okoro — 11,024 (44.85%) [Winner]; Luqman Adekunle Laoye — 7,044 (28.66%); Obajaja Onimisi Stephen — 6,511 (26.49%).
- Second Vice-President: Egya Nuhu John — 18,496 (100%) [Unopposed].
- Third Vice-President: Pepple Iniobong Irene — 19,200 (100%) [Unopposed].
- General Secretary: Afam O. Okeke — 8,478 (33.58%) [Winner]; Dr Rapulu Ernest Nduka — 6,188 (24.51%); Chidi Ezenwafor — 4,560 (18.06%); Okey Leo Ohagba — 4,100 (16.24%); Nnaebuka Onyebuchi Nwaeze — 1,147 (4.54%); Barth Okoye-Aniche — 772 (3.06%).
- Assistant General Secretary: Aghogho Gladys Okpomor — 14,312 (56.76%) [Winner]; Osato Uwagboe — 5,003 (19.84%); Tijjani Magaji — 3,282 (13.02%); Benjamin Emeka Enyiagu — 1,954 (7.75%); Chiduabo Prince Henry Mamah — 663 (2.63%).
- Treasurer: Esther Ifeoma Jimoh — 21,908 (100%) [Unopposed].
- Welfare Secretary: Audrey Chinelo Ofoegbunam — 14,911 (60.43%) [Winner]; Sir Oaikhena Osagie — 5,187 (21.02%); Akinwunmi Laleye — 2,234 (9.05%); Chiwendu Ugochukwu — 1,202 (4.87%); Ernest Ezindu Uwanaka — 1,140 (4.62%).
- Publicity Secretary: Dr Prince I. Azubuike — 14,686 (61.95%) [Winner]; Lawrence Shegun Ayewa — 9,021 (38.05%).
- Assistant Publicity Secretary: Hadiza Nasir Ahmad — 10,094 (40.83%) [Winner]; Uwomano Anthony Junior Aki — 6,108 (24.71%); Meti Monday Ukpeh — 4,643 (18.78%); Lukman Oladimeji Jaiyeola — 3,877 (15.68%).
Regional representatives also emerged with clear lead results:
- Eastern Zone Representative: Chidi Betsy Nnaji — 10,497 (17.32%); Daniel Kip — 8,121 (13.40%); Jane Omonor Apollos-James — 8,079 (13.33%); Dr Ehujuo Kingsley Chukwunonso — 7,811 (12.89%); Assam Akpan Assam — 7,610 (12.56%); Dr Celestine Nwaokoma Nwankwo — 7,280 (12.01%); Joy Obianuju Nnani — 6,519 (10.76%); Arinze Celestine Chukwu — 4,675 (7.72%).
- Western Zone Representative: Rotimi Komolafe — 14,816 (43.17%) [Winner]; Precious Ndidi Nwadimuya — 10,031 (29.23%); Dhikrullah Adewale Balogun — 9,476 (27.61%).
In a brief session after the results were announced, Badejo-Okusanya thanked the ECNBA, the supporters, and the lawyers who participated, emphasising her commitment to the NBA’s reform agenda and professional development across the association. She noted that the 2026–2028 tenure would focus on enhancing access to justice, mentoring young lawyers, and strengthening the NBA’s national and regional branches.
Commentators highlighted the turnout as modest by some standards but representative of a disciplined process and a clear mandate for the new leadership to pursue strategic reforms. The NBA’s national secretariat will now transition to the new administration, with Badejo-Okusanya and the elected officers preparing to outline priorities in the coming weeks.
