The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) has presented Certificates of Return to candidates declared winners in the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national elections, formally confirming their election and authorising them to assume office in line with the NBA Constitution.
The presentation followed the conclusion of the elections and the release of results by the ECNBA on Sunday.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, emerged as the 33rd President of the NBA after polling 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the total votes cast, to defeat Lateef Akangbe, SAN, who secured 7,934 votes (30.39 per cent), and Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, who garnered 5,855 votes (22.43 per cent).
Chairman of the ECNBA, Aham Ejelam, SAN, announced the results at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja.
With her victory, Badejo-Okusanya will serve a two-year term from 2026 to 2028, becoming only the second woman to lead the association after Priscilla Kuye, who served as NBA President between 1991 and 1992.
The ECNBA disclosed that 26,184 lawyers voted out of 82,172 registered voters, representing a voter turnout of 31.86 per cent.
Other elected national officers include Chief Oghenero Okoro as First Vice-President, while Egya Nuhu John and Pepple Iniobong Irene were returned unopposed as Second and Third Vice-Presidents respectively.
Afam O. Okeke was elected General Secretary, with Aghogho Gladys Okpomor emerging Assistant General Secretary. Esther Ifeoma Jimoh was returned unopposed as Treasurer.
Audrey Chinelo Ofoegbunam was elected Welfare Secretary, Dr. Prince I. Azubuike emerged Publicity Secretary, while Hadiza Nasir Ahmad won the position of Assistant Publicity Secretary.
For zonal representatives, Chidi Betsy Nnaji emerged winner for the Eastern Zone, Rotimi Komolafe won the Western Zone seat, while Huwaila Muhammad Ibrahim secured victory as Northern Zone Representative.
The Certificates of Return officially validate the election outcomes and enable the successful candidates to assume their respective national offices in accordance with the provisions of the NBA Constitution.