Newly elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, has pledged to restore confidence in the legal body and lead with integrity, courage, fairness and accountability, following an election overshadowed by allegations of irregularities and technical failures.
Badejo-Okusanya emerged victorious in the NBA’s 2026 presidential election, the results of which were announced on Sunday morning, despite widespread complaints from lawyers who questioned the credibility of the electronic voting process.
In her first address after her victory, the senior advocate expressed gratitude to members of the association for entrusting her with its leadership, describing her emergence as a collective victory for lawyers who believe in a stronger, more inclusive and responsive NBA.
“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.
“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.”
Her emergence, however, comes against the backdrop of intense controversy over the conduct of the election.
Several lawyers alleged that the electronic voting exercise was riddled with technical glitches, failed verification processes, inaccessible voting portals and discrepancies in vote tallies, raising fresh concerns over the transparency of the poll.
Among the most vocal critics was senior lawyer A.K. Musa, who described the exercise as one of the worst elections conducted by the NBA in recent years. He accused the organisers of presiding over an election plagued by unprecedented irregularities and argued that the process should not define the legacy of the outgoing NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN.
Despite the controversy, Badejo-Okusanya urged members of the legal profession to move beyond the election and work together for the future of the association.
Reflecting on her nationwide campaign, she said extensive consultations with lawyers across Nigeria shaped both her manifesto and leadership priorities.
According to her, engagements with legal practitioners from every state and the Federal Capital Territory gave her firsthand knowledge of their concerns, aspirations and expectations, which she pledged would remain the foundation of her administration.
Extending a hand of fellowship to members who supported rival candidates, she stressed that the contest had ended and that unity was now paramount.
“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 also congratulated her fellow contestants and expressed her readiness to work with them in advancing the interests of the association.
The president-elect paid glowing tribute to members of her BBOLD Campaign Council, volunteers, coordinators and supporters for their dedication throughout the campaign.
She reserved special appreciation for her husband, family, mentors and friends, acknowledging their sacrifices, prayers and unwavering encouragement throughout the electioneering process.
Looking ahead, Badejo-Okusanya promised to place the welfare of lawyers at the centre of her administration while pursuing reforms aimed at making the association more responsive and beneficial to its members.
She pledged to build an NBA where lawyers can earn better, live better and practise under conditions that uphold the dignity of the profession.
“Today marks not the end of a campaign, but the beginning of a new responsibility,” she declared.
“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.”
Her election opens a new chapter for the NBA at a time when many members are demanding a comprehensive review of the association’s electronic voting system, insisting that future elections must inspire greater confidence, transparency and credibility while reinforcing the NBA’s role as a defender of justice, the rule of law and democratic values in Nigeria.