Despite the controversies that are trailing the just concluded Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national election, the President-elect, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, has expressed gratitude to members of the association, following her victory.
In a statement issued on Sunday, she thanked members of the association for the confidence reposed in her, describing her election as a collective victory for lawyers committed to strengthening the Bar.
She said the outcome of the election reflected members’ belief that the NBA could become stronger, more inclusive and better positioned to serve the interests of all lawyers.
“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.
“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.”
According to the president-elect, her campaign afforded her the opportunity to travel across the country and engage lawyers in every state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, listening to their concerns, aspirations and ideas.
“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.”
Badejo-Okusanya thanked all members who participated in the election, regardless of the candidates they supported, stressing that the contest had ended and that it was time for members to unite in advancing the legal profession, justice and the rule of law.
She also congratulated her fellow contestants for contributing to what she described as a robust democratic process and expressed readiness to work with them in moving the association forward.
“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 stated.
“I congratulate my fellow contestants for their commitment to our Association and for enriching this democratic process. I look forward to working with all of you as partners in building an NBA that reflects the very best of our profession.”
She further appreciated members of her campaign council, volunteers, coordinators, supporters and colleagues for their dedication throughout the electioneering process, pledging to serve every lawyer in the association.
“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.”
NPO Reports recalls that the NBA conducted its national election electronically on Saturday to elect national officers for the 2026–2028 administration.
The election, which initially experienced delays following a cyberattack on the voting platform announced by the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA), was eventually concluded with Badejo-Okusanya emerging victorious.
She will become the first woman to lead the association in over two decades and succeeds Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, as NBA president.