Abuja, Nigeria — June 25, 2026 — The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) will proceed with its July 20 national elections despite ongoing legal disputes and internal wrangling, with 38 candidates cleared to contest various positions.
The Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) released the final list of qualified candidates on June 18, alongside their curriculum vitae, manifestoes, and approved campaign materials submitted before the June 6 deadline.
According to the ECNBA, three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) are in the race for the presidency, while multiple candidates will contest other national offices, including vice presidents, general secretary, and zonal representatives.
The presidential aspirants are Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN), Ms. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya (SAN), and Mr. Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe (SAN), all from the Western Zone, in line with the NBA’s zoning arrangement.
The ECNBA reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a credible poll, stating its resolve to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process.
The committee is chaired by Chief Aham Ejelam (SAN), with Ibrahim Aliyu Nasarawa serving as Secretary.
The election process has, however, been overshadowed by legal challenges and internal disagreements, particularly over an alleged consensus arrangement within the Western Zone.
An association of Yoruba lawyers, Egbe Amofin O’odua, had approached the court seeking recognition of Akinboro as the sole consensus candidate, leading to interim injunctions from the Oyo State High Court that temporarily halted aspects of the electoral process.
Despite the litigation, the ECNBA has continued preparations, engaging stakeholders and publishing election materials for public scrutiny.
The NBA operates a universal suffrage system through electronic voting, allowing eligible members—lawyers who have paid their practising fees and dues—to participate.
With over 140,000 lawyers across 128 branches nationwide, the NBA election is considered one of the most significant professional body elections in Africa.
Observers say the outcome will shape the leadership of the association through 2028, amid expectations for reforms, improved welfare for lawyers, and strengthened institutional governance.
