Keep voting, election ends Sunday morning, NBA tells members

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is reminding its members that the deadline to vote in the 2026 national election is fast approaching, with polls set to close at 7:35 a.m. on Sunday, July 19. The election, which commenced Saturday morning, is a crucial exercise for shaping the future of the legal body, and the association is urging all eligible lawyers to cast their ballots.

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Every eligible lawyer has the opportunity to shape the future of our association. Don’t wait until the last minute. Cast your vote today and make your voice count.

In a statement released via its official X account, the NBA emphasized the importance of participation, encouraging members not to delay their vote. "Your vote matters. Your participation matters. The future of the Bar is in your hands," the association declared, underscoring the power of each member's voice in determining the association's leadership.

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Your vote matters. Your participation matters. The future of the Bar is in your hands. Vote before the polls close at 7:35 a.m. tomorrow.

The election has seen a keenly contested presidential race. As of Saturday evening, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, appeared to be strengthening her lead, holding a significant percentage of the votes counted. Her closest rivals include Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe (SAN) and Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN).

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Throughout the ongoing NBA elections, I have received reports from lawyers across the country who say they have been unable to cast their votes due to challenges with the voting process. Regrettably, I have also been unable to cast my own vote despite repeated attempts.

However, the electoral process has not been without its challenges. Akangbe has raised concerns, reporting that numerous lawyers, himself included, have faced difficulties in casting their votes. He also alleged that the voting system may permit multiple voting, contrary to the "one member, one vote" principle. Despite these reported issues, Akangbe has urged members to persevere and continue attempting to vote, framing the current moment as a test of leadership and commitment to the NBA's credibility.

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We have records showing that the system allows people to vote twice, when it should be one member one vote.