ABUJA — President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, has pledged to lead an inclusive administration that prioritises the welfare and professional interests of all lawyers across Nigeria, following her victory in the association’s 2026 national election.
In a statement issued on Sunday after the announcement of the election results, Badejo-Okusanya expressed gratitude to members of the NBA for the confidence reposed in her, describing her election as both a privilege and a call to service.
She said the outcome of the election reflected the collective desire of members to build a stronger, more responsive and inclusive Bar Association capable of effectively serving the interests of legal practitioners nationwide.
“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.
According to her, the victory belongs to every lawyer who believed in the vision of a better NBA, stressing that the mandate extends beyond personal success.
“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,” she stated.
Badejo-Okusanya noted that her campaign tour across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory provided her with firsthand knowledge of the challenges, expectations and aspirations of legal practitioners, adding that those engagements would shape the policies and direction of her administration.
“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,” she said.
Calling for unity after the election, the president-elect urged members to set aside political differences and work together in advancing the legal profession and defending the rule of law.
“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 said.
She congratulated the other candidates who contested the election, describing their participation as a demonstration of commitment to the progress and development of the association.
Badejo-Okusanya expressed her readiness to work with her former opponents and all members of the NBA to achieve common goals aimed at strengthening the association.
She also appreciated her campaign team, volunteers, supporters, mentors, friends and family for their dedication and encouragement throughout the election period.
Looking ahead, the NBA president-elect pledged to lead with integrity, courage, fairness, humility and accountability, assuring members that her administration would be transparent and inclusive.
“I pledge to lead with integrity, courage, humility, fairness and accountability. I will be a President for every member of the Nigerian Bar Association,” she said.
She added that her administration would focus on creating opportunities that would improve lawyers’ professional practice, welfare and earning capacity.
“Together, we will build an Association where every lawyer has the opportunity to earn better, live better and practise better. The work begins now,” Badejo-Okusanya stated.
Her election marks a significant milestone in the history of the Nigerian Bar Association and ushers in a new leadership expected to focus on inclusiveness, professional development, improved welfare for lawyers and the continued defence of justice and the rule of law.
Badejo-Okusanya Promises Inclusive Leadership After Winning NBA Presidency
