Newly elected president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN) has pledged to build an NBA where lawyers can “earn better, live better and practise better”.

Badejo-Okusanya made the pledge on Sunday in her acceptance message shortly after she was declared winner of the NBA’s 2026 national officer’ election.

The Chairman of the NBA Electoral Committee, Aham Ejelam (SAN), announced the results at the association’s National Secretariat in Abuja, declaring Badejo-Okusanya winner after she secured the highest number of votes cast.

According to the official results, Badejo-Okusanya polled 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the total votes, to defeat her closest challenger, Lateef Akangbe (SAN), who garnered 7,934 votes, representing 30.39 per cent. Another contestant, Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN), received 5,855 votes, accounting for 22.43 per cent.

A total of 26,106 votes were recorded in the election.

In her acceptance message, the president-elect thanked members of the legal profession for entrusting her with the leadership of the association, describing the victory as a collective triumph for lawyers who supported her vision of “A Bolder Bar That Works for Everyone.”

“Today, I am filled with profound gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. Thank you to the members of the Nigerian Bar Association for the confidence you have reposed in me by electing me as your President. I am deeply humbled by your trust,” she said.

She also expressed appreciation to her campaign team, supporters, family, mentors and fellow contestants for their roles throughout the election.

Declaring that the electioneering process had ended, Badejo-Okusanya promised an inclusive administration focused on improving the welfare and professional practice of lawyers across the country.

“The campaign is over. The work begins now.
“I pledge to serve every member of the Nigerian Bar Association with integrity, humility, courage, and accountability. Together, we will build an NBA where lawyers can earn better, live better, and practise better,” she stated.

She added that she remained grateful for the opportunity to serve and prayed for God’s blessings upon the Nigerian Bar Association and Nigeria.

Badejo-Okusanya will serve a two-year tenure from 2026 to 2028.

Her election also marks a significant milestone in the history of the NBA, as she becomes only the second woman to lead the association after Priscilla Kuye, who served as NBA president between 1991 and 1992.