*As List Shows Lopsided Contests Across National Officer Positions
The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association has released the final list of candidates qualified to contest in the 2026 NBA General Elections, clearing three candidates for the presidency, including two Senior Advocates and the first female aspirant, five candidates for General Secretary, seven for Assistant General Secretary, five for Welfare Secretary, and a sole unopposed candidate for Treasurer, in a list signed by ECNBA Chairman Aham Ejelam SAN and Secretary Ibrahim Aliyu Nassarawa Esq. that marks the first time the committee’s leadership has publicly identified itself after months of controversy over what critics had described as a “faceless” electoral body.
The release of the list is a significant milestone in what has been one of the most contentious NBA electoral cycles in recent memory, marked by allegations that the ECNBA was handpicked by NBA President Afam Osigwe SAN rather than nominated by NEC members, the Egbe Amofin Oodua suit that has now moved to the Court of Appeal, Chief Yomi Alliyu SAN’s blistering critique of the president’s neutrality, and widespread concerns about the integrity of the online voting system.
The list clears 33 candidates for national officer positions and 16 candidates for NBA representatives to the General Council of the Bar, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested election across virtually every position.
Three candidates have been cleared to contest the NBA presidency, the most consequential position in the organised legal profession in Africa.
Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro SAN — A Senior Advocate whose candidacy represents the Inner Bar’s continued interest in the NBA’s leadership. His traditional title “Aare” suggests deep roots in the Yoruba legal and cultural establishment.
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe SAN — The former Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch (2019-2021) and former Chairman of the NBA Finance Committee (2022-2024), who has been one of the most vocal critics of the Legal Practitioners Bill 2025, warning that its compulsory two-year pupillage provision without capacity guarantees risks “crushing young lawyers” and that the NBA should not control practising licences because it is “an advocacy body, not a neutral regulator.” His candidacy brings a track record of branch-level leadership, national committee service, and public engagement on issues affecting young lawyers.
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya — The first female candidate in the current presidential race, whose candidacy has been at the centre of controversy following allegations by Chief Alliyu SAN that NBA President Osigwe has been “campaigning openly, albeit indirectly and without mentioning name, that gender must be considered in voting in the next election,” with Alliyu noting that “there is only one female that has expressed her interest to contest the coming election. Even the blind knows who the President was selling to the public.”
The three-way race ensures that the NBA presidential contest will feature debate over the direction of the Association’s policy on key issues including the Legal Practitioners Bill, digital licensing, CPD compliance, ECNBA reform, and the relationship between the Bar and the Bench.
First Vice President
Three candidates are vying for the position of First Vice President:
Chief Oghenero Okoro, Luqman Laoye Esq., and Onimisi Stephen Obajaja Esq.
Second Vice President
A single candidate, Egya Nuhu John, has been cleared for the position of Second Vice President. If no other candidates were disqualified during the screening process, John may be returned unopposed.
Third Vice President
A single candidate, Pepple Iniobong Irene, has been cleared for the Third Vice President position, suggesting another potential walkover.
General Secretary
The position of General Secretary, one of the NBA’s most operationally important roles, has attracted five candidates, making it one of the most competitive races:
Afamefuna Okwudili Okeke, Barth Okoye-Aniche, Chidi Vick Ezenwafor, Dr. Rapuluchukwu Ernest Nduka, and Nnaebuka Onyebuchi Nwaeze, and Okey Leo Ohagba.
The six-candidate field for General Secretary reflects the significance of a position that controls the day-to-day administration of the Association, manages communications with branches and members, and serves as the institutional memory of the NBA’s national executive.
Assistant General Secretary
Seven candidates are competing for Assistant General Secretary:
Benjamin Emeka Enyiagu, Chiduabo Prince Henry Mamah, Gladys Aghogho Okpomor, Magaji Tijjani, Onwudinjo Lucky Eloka, Osatohamwen Uwagboe, and Osarodion Michael Igiede.
The seven-candidate field makes this one of the most crowded contests in the election, reflecting the position’s role as a stepping stone to higher NBA office and its importance in the Association’s administrative structure.
Treasurer
Only one candidate, Esther Ifeoma Jimoh, has been cleared for the position of Treasurer. Unless there were other aspirants who were disqualified during screening, Jimoh appears set to be returned unopposed, making her the only national officer candidate who faces no competition.
Welfare Secretary
Five candidates are vying for Welfare Secretary:
Akinwunmi Samson Laleye, Aigbokhai Oaikhena Osagie, Chinelo Audrey Ofoegbunam, Chiwendu Ugochukwu, and Ernest Ezindu Uwanaka.
Publicity Secretary
Two candidates are competing for Publicity Secretary: Ayewa Lawrence Ikpehai and Prince Ikwuadi Azubuike.
Assistant Publicity Secretary
Four candidates are cleared for Assistant Publicity Secretary: Lukman Oladimeji Jaiyeola, Aki Uwomano Anthony Junior, Hadiza Nasir Ahmad, and Meti Monday Ukpeh.
General Council Of The Bar Representatives
The ECNBA also cleared 16 candidates for NBA representatives to the General Council of the Bar, distributed across Nigeria’s three geopolitical zones.
