The Nigerian Bar Association has urged eligible lawyers across the country to continue voting in its 2026 national election, reminding members that the exercise will remain open until 7:35am on Sunday, July 19.
In a statement released on Saturday on its official X handle, the association said voting, which commenced at 7:35am on Saturday, would run for 24 hours.
“Voting in the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association National Elections commenced at 7:35 a.m. today, Saturday, 18 July 2026, and will remain open until 7:35 a.m. tomorrow, Sunday, 19 July 2026,” the statement read.
The NBA encouraged members not to wait until the final hours before participating in the election.
“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.
“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 association said.
The reminder came as the presidential contest remained keenly contested.
PUNCH Online earlier reported that Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, had strengthened her lead in the race to become the NBA’s first elected female president.
As of 7:30pm on Saturday, results displayed on the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association portal showed Badejo-Okusanya polling 10,554 votes, representing 46.16 per cent of votes counted.
Her closest challenger, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe (SAN), had secured 7,020 votes, while Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN) polled 5,289 votes.
Meanwhile, Akangbe alleged that several lawyers, including himself, were experiencing difficulties voting.
In a statement posted on X, he said, “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.”
He also alleged that the voting system permitted multiple voting.
“We have records showing that the system allows people to vote twice, when it should be one member one vote,” he claimed.
Despite the concerns, Akangbe urged lawyers not to abandon the process.
“Continue trying to exercise your right to vote for as long as the voting window remains open. Leadership is tested most in difficult moments. “Let us remain peaceful, resolute, and committed to protecting the credibility of our Association,” he said.
Earlier, NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) dismissed allegations of interference in the election, insisting that the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association operated independently and that he had no role in influencing the outcome.
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