Continue casting ballots, poll closes Sunday morning, NBA informs its membership

The Nigerian Bar Association is calling on eligible lawyers nationwide to participate in its ongoing 2026 national election, with voting set to remain open until 7:35am on Sunday, July 19.

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A statement issued by the association on its official X handle on Saturday reminded members that the voting exercise, which began at 7:35am on the same day, will run for a 24-hour period.

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According to the statement, the voting window, which commenced at 7:35am on Saturday, July 18, 2026, will close at 7:35am on Sunday, July 19, 2026, giving members ample time to cast their ballots.

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The NBA is encouraging its members to seize the opportunity to shape the association's future by casting their votes as soon as possible, rather than waiting until the last minute.

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The association emphasized the importance of member participation, stating that every eligible lawyer has a voice that matters and a crucial role to play in determining the association's future.

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With the presidential contest still highly contested, the reminder to members comes at a critical juncture, as Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has strengthened her lead in the race to become the NBA's first elected female president.

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As of 7:30pm on Saturday, the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association's portal showed Badejo-Okusanya polling 10,554 votes, representing 46.16 per cent of the votes counted, with her closest challengers trailing behind.

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Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe (SAN) had secured 7,020 votes, while Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN) polled 5,289 votes, as the election continues to unfold.

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Akangbe, however, has raised concerns about the voting process, alleging that several lawyers, including himself, have been unable to cast their votes due to technical difficulties.

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In a statement posted on X, Akangbe claimed that he had received reports from lawyers across the country who were experiencing challenges with the voting system, and that he himself had been unable to cast his vote despite repeated attempts.

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Akangbe also alleged that the voting system allows for multiple voting, contrary to the principle of one member one vote, citing records that appear to support this claim.

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Despite these concerns, Akangbe is urging lawyers to remain committed to the process and continue trying to exercise their right to vote for as long as the voting window remains open.

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He emphasized the importance of peaceful and resolute leadership, particularly in difficult moments, and called on members to remain committed to protecting the credibility of the association.

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Earlier, NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) had dismissed allegations of interference in the election, insisting that the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association operates independently and that he has no role in influencing the outcome.