The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has congratulated Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN) on her historic election as President of the Nigerian Bar Association, describing her victory as a defining moment for the legal profession and women in leadership.
Badejo-Okusanya was declared winner of the NBA’s 2026 national officers’ election on Sunday, becoming the first elected female president of the association since its establishment in 1960.
In a goodwill message issued on Sunday night, Akpoti-Uduaghan said the development reflected the enduring values of competence, excellence, resilience and integrity, adding that the election was more than a personal triumph for the new NBA president.
She 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.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan added that the election carried profound significance for Nigerian women and girls and would encourage more women to aspire to leadership positions.
“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 added.
The lawmaker also expressed confidence in Badejo-Okusanya’s ability to provide visionary leadership for the NBA while advancing the cause of justice and the rule of law.
“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,” she said.
She concluded by wishing the newly elected NBA president a successful tenure.
“Congratulations once again, Madam President,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
Badejo-Okusanya emerged the 33rd President of the NBA after defeating two other Senior Advocates of Nigeria in the association’s 2026 national officers’ election.
The Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Aham Ejelam (SAN), announced the results at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja on Sunday after the conclusion of the election, which was delayed by technical challenges and a cyberattack.
According to Ejelam, Badejo-Okusanya polled 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the total votes cast, to defeat her closest challenger, Lateef Akangbe (SAN), who secured 7,934 votes, representing 30.39 per cent. The third presidential candidate, Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN), garnered 5,855 votes, representing 22.43 per cent.
A total of 26,106 votes were recorded in the keenly contested election. Badejo-Okusanya will serve a two-year term from 2026 to 2028.
Her emergence also makes her the second woman to lead the NBA after Priscilla Kuye, who served as president between 1991 and 1992, but the first to attain the office through a direct election.
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.
