New NBA President Badejo-Okusanya Breaks Silence Following Victory

The newly elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN), has broken her silence after emerging victorious in the association’s 2026 presidential election.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the female lawyer has promised to lead with integrity, courage, fairness and accountability while calling on members of the legal profession to unite behind a common vision for the Bar.

Badejo-Okusanya made the pledge in her first public statement after the announcement of the election results on Sunday, thanking lawyers across Nigeria for the confidence reposed in her and describing her victory as one that belongs to every member who believes the NBA can become stronger, more inclusive and more responsive to the needs of legal practitioners.

“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 expressed appreciation to members who supported her campaign, saying the election was driven by a shared desire to build an association that serves all lawyers.

“Thank you for believing in our shared vision of ‘A Bolder Bar That Works For Everyone’. This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every member who believed that our Association can be stronger, more inclusive, more responsive, and better positioned to serve the interests of all lawyers.”

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria revealed that her campaign took her across the country, where she interacted with lawyers in every state and the Federal Capital Territory. According to her, those engagements gave her a better understanding of the expectations, concerns and aspirations of members, which would now shape her administration.

“Over the past months, I had the privilege of travelling across our nation, engaging with colleagues in every state of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. I listened to your hopes, your concerns, your aspirations, and your ideas. Those conversations shaped this campaign, and they will continue to guide my leadership,” she stated.

Badejo-Okusanya also reached out to lawyers who voted for her opponents, stressing that the contest had ended and that the association must now move forward as one united body committed to promoting justice, the rule of law and the legal profession.

“I extend my sincere appreciation to every member who participated in this election, regardless of the candidate you supported. 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.

She congratulated the other contestants in the election and expressed optimism that they would work together for the progress of the association.

“I look forward to working with you as partners in building an NBA that reflects the very best of our profession,” she added.

The president-elect also acknowledged members of her BBOLD Campaign Council, volunteers, coordinators and supporters who worked throughout the election period. She reserved special appreciation for her husband and family, describing their encouragement and sacrifices as invaluable throughout her campaign.

“To my husband, thank you for your love, your sacrifices, your encouragement, and your unwavering belief in me throughout this journey. Your support, strength, and quiet confidence have meant more than words can express,” she said.

“To my family, mentors, friends, and everyone who stood by me with their prayers, encouragement, and unwavering support, thank you for walking this journey with me.”

Badejo-Okusanya promised to prioritise the welfare of lawyers and ensure that members benefit more from the association during her tenure.

“Today marks not the end of a campaign, but the beginning of a new responsibility,” she said.

“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.

“The work begins now.”

Badejo-Okusanya emerged victorious after the conclusion of the NBA’s electronic presidential election, which was extended until 7:35 a.m. on Sunday following technical challenges and complaints of voter disenfranchisement.

She secured 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the total votes cast, ahead of Lateef Akangbe (SAN), who polled 7,934 votes, while Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN) finished with 5,855 votes.

The election was delayed after the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) disclosed that the voting platform had suffered what it described as a “deliberate, coordinated and sustained cyberattack.” The committee later restored the system, migrated the voting portal to a new secure domain and extended the voting period to allow more eligible lawyers to participate.

Although the election was overshadowed by allegations of vote rigging, sabotage and voter disenfranchisement, the ECNBA maintained throughout the exercise that it remained committed to conducting “a free, fair, and credible electoral process.”

Badejo-Okusanya’s victory also makes history as she becomes only the second female President of the Nigerian Bar Association.