Badejo-Okusanya Wins NBA Presidency Amid Election Controversy
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya has been elected president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), promising an inclusive administration that serves every member, even as two defeated candidates strongly rejected the credibility of the poll.
Badejo-Okusanya, who secured victory in the national election concluded on July 18-19, 2026, described her mandate as a collective achievement for lawyers seeking a stronger, more responsive Bar. In a statement issued on Sunday, she thanked members for their support and pledged to lead with integrity, fairness, humility and accountability.
“I pledge to lead with integrity, courage, humility, fairness, and accountability. I will be a President for every member of the Nigerian Bar Association,” she said. She added that her administration would focus on improving professional practice, welfare and opportunities for all lawyers.
The president-elect said her campaign engagements across the country had given her deep insights into members’ concerns, which would guide her tenure. She urged unity after the contest, declaring: “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.”
Turnout figures released by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) showed participation crossing 21,000, though this represented a sharp decline from previous elections. Badejo-Okusanya also congratulated other contestants and expressed readiness to collaborate with them for the benefit of the association.
However, two other presidential candidates, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe (SAN) and Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN), rejected the outcome and raised serious allegations about the conduct of the election.
Akangbe described the process as “shambolic” and alleged widespread voter suppression due to the collapse of the electronic voting platform. He claimed thousands of lawyers, including himself, were unable to vote despite repeated technical failures and last-minute changes to the authentication system. He criticised the ECNBA for proceeding with the poll despite warnings and questioned the low turnout of around 27% of accredited voters.
Akinboro alleged irregularities including name alterations on the ballot, missing candidate photographs, and issues with OTP delivery. He claimed he was effectively excluded from the ballot and that the platform suffered from poor preparation rather than solely a cyberattack, as stated by the electoral body.
Both candidates said they were reviewing options and preserving evidence of alleged irregularities. The ECNBA has attributed disruptions to a cyberattack and extended voting time before declaring Badejo-Okusanya the winner.
The controversy comes as the NBA prepares for leadership transition in what remains Nigeria’s foremost legal professional body. Badejo-Okusanya’s team has described her victory as historic, while the defeated candidates insist the process fell short of democratic standards.
