Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has been elected the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) after emerging victorious in the association’s 2026 national election.
The result was announced on Sunday at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), Aham Ejelam, SAN, following an election that experienced technical disruptions and an attempted cyberattack.
Badejo-Okusanya secured 12,317 votes, representing 47.18% of the total votes cast, defeating Lateef Akangbe, SAN, who polled 7,934 votes (30.39%), and Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, who received 5,855 votes (22.43%).
A total of 26,106 lawyers participated in the nationwide electronic election.
NBA Presidential Election Results
| Candidate | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN | 12,317 | 47.18% |
| Lateef Akangbe, SAN | 7,934 | 30.39% |
| Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN | 5,855 | 22.43% |
Total Votes Cast: 26,106
Historic Victory for Women
Badejo-Okusanya’s election marks another milestone in the history of Nigeria’s legal profession.
She becomes only the second woman to serve as President of the Nigerian Bar Association, more than three decades after Priscilla Kuye became the first female president in 1991.
Her tenure will run from 2026 to 2028, during which she is expected to lead reforms aimed at strengthening the legal profession, promoting professional ethics and advancing the welfare of lawyers across Nigeria.
Other Newly Elected NBA National Officers
Alongside the new president, members elected into the NBA National Executive Committee include:
- First Vice-President: Oghenero Okoro
- General Secretary: Afam Okeke
- Assistant General Secretary: Aghogho Gladys
- Welfare Secretary: Chinelo Audrey Ofoegbunam
The newly elected officers are expected to assume office alongside the president-elect.
Election Delayed by Cyberattack
The election was initially delayed after the Electoral Committee encountered technical challenges and an attempted cyberattack targeting the association’s electronic voting infrastructure.
Outgoing NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, disclosed that the committee successfully rebuilt and migrated its ICT infrastructure to a more secure server before voting resumed.
According to Osigwe, the incident highlighted the growing need for stronger cybersecurity measures within professional organizations conducting electronic elections.
“Our colleagues planned to truncate the election, but we stood firm. Every effort to derail this process failed. This is a trying time for the Bar,” Osigwe said.
He added that the Electoral Committee would review the challenges encountered to improve future NBA elections and strengthen data protection measures.
President-Elect Calls for Unity
Although Badejo-Okusanya was unable to attend the official declaration of results due to a delayed flight, a member of her campaign team, Aminu Gadanya, SAN, said she remains committed to uniting members of the legal profession.
According to him, the president-elect intends to work with all contestants and members of the Bar irrespective of the election outcome.
Outgoing President Osigwe also urged both winners and unsuccessful candidates to put the contest behind them and focus on advancing the legal profession.
He called on the newly elected leadership to embrace inclusiveness and strengthen the unity of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Why the NBA Election Matters
The Nigerian Bar Association is the umbrella body for legal practitioners in Nigeria and plays a significant role in promoting the rule of law, defending judicial independence and advocating legal reforms.
The successful conclusion of the election despite technical challenges demonstrates the association’s commitment to democratic processes while underscoring the growing importance of cybersecurity in electronic voting systems.
With Badejo-Okusanya becoming only the second woman to lead the NBA, her emergence is expected to further discussions on diversity, inclusion and leadership within Nigeria’s legal profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2026 NBA presidential election?
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, won the election with 12,317 votes.
How many lawyers voted?
A total of 26,106 accredited members participated in the election.
Who did she defeat?
She defeated Lateef Akangbe, SAN, and Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN.
Why was the election delayed?
The election experienced technical issues and an attempted cyberattack before the Electoral Committee migrated to a more secure server.
Why is her election historic?
She becomes only the second woman to serve as President of the Nigerian Bar Association after Priscilla Kuye in 1991.
