ABUJA, Nigeria – The Senator representing Kogi Central in Nigeria, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, issued a goodwill message on Sunday, July 19, 2026, congratulating Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya on winning the Nigerian Bar Association presidential election.
Okay News reports that the Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Aham Ejelam, declared Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya the winner at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja after she polled 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the total votes cast.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan said, “Hearty congratulations to Mrs Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her historic election as the first elected female President of the Nigerian Bar Association since its establishment in 1960. This remarkable achievement is not only a personal victory but a defining moment for the legal profession and for Nigeria. It affirms that competence, excellence, resilience, and character will always find their rightful place.”
She said, “Her election sends a powerful message to every girl and woman across our nation: that leadership has no gender, and that barriers which stood for generations can indeed be broken.”
She said, “As a fellow woman in public service, I celebrate this milestone with great pride and optimism. May your tenure strengthen the Bar, uphold the rule of law, and inspire a new generation of women to aspire, lead, and serve with distinction. Congratulations once again, Madam President.”
The election saw Lateef Akangbe secure 7,934 votes, representing 30.39 per cent, while Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro garnered 5,855 votes, representing 22.43 per cent. A total of 26,106 votes were recorded in the election, resulting in Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya serving a two-year term from 2026 to 2028, and becoming the second woman to lead the association after Priscilla Kuye, who served between 1991 and 1992.
Other elected national officers include Oghenero Okoro as First Vice-President with 11,024 votes, Afam Okeke as General Secretary with 8,478 votes, Aghogho Gladys as Assistant General Secretary with 14,312 votes, and Chinelo Audrey Ofoegbunam as Welfare Secretary with 14,911 votes.
