ECNBA Releases Final List of Qualified Candidates for 2026 NBA General Elections

The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) has officially published the final list of qualified candidates for the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Elections, bringing to a close the screening and appeals process conducted in accordance with the NBA Constitution 2015 (as amended in 2025). The announcement marks a significant milestone in the build-up to the highly anticipated national elections, which will determine the next set of leaders of the Association.

In the notice signed by ECNBA Chairman, Aham Ejelam, SAN, and Secretary, Ibrahim Aliyu Nassarawa, Esq., the Committee stated that the publication followed the conclusion of all screening exercises and the determination of appeals by the National Officers Election Appeals Committee. The Committee emphasized that all qualified candidates remain bound by the provisions of ECNBA Notice No. 4 and other electoral guidelines governing campaigns and election conduct.

For the office of President, three Senior Advocates of Nigeria successfully made the final list. They are:

•Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN

•Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, FCIArb

•Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, SAN

 

For the office of First Vice President, the qualified candidates are:

•Oghenero Okoro, Esq.

•Luqman Adekunle Laoye, Esq.

•Obajaja Onimisi Stephen, Esq.

 

For the office of Second Vice President, the sole qualified candidate is:

•Nuhu John Egya, Esq.

 

For the office of Third Vice President, the sole qualified candidate is:

•Iniobong Irene Pepple, Esq.

 

The race for the position of General Secretary is expected to be one of the most keenly contested in the election, with six candidates making the final list. They are:

•Afam O. Okeke, Esq.

•Barth Okoye Aniche, Esq.

•Chidi V. Ezenwafor, Esq.

•Dr. Rapulu Ernest Nduka

•Nnaebuka Onyebuchi Nwaeze, Esq.

•Okey Leo Ohagba, Esq.

 

For the office of Assistant General Secretary, the qualified candidates are:

•Benjamin Emeka Enyiagu, Esq.

•Chiduabo Prince Henry Mamah, Esq.

•Aghogho Gladys Okpomor, Esq.

•Tijjani Magaji, Esq.

•Onwudinjo Lucky Eloka (Uncle Jeje)

•Osato Uwagboe, Esq.

•Osarodion Michael Igiede, Esq.

 

The office of Treasurer has one qualified candidate:

•Esther Ifeoma Jimoh, Esq.

 

For the office of Welfare Secretary, the qualified candidates are:

•Akinwunmi Laleye, Esq.

•Oaikhena Osagie, Esq.

•Audrey Chinelo Ofoegbunam, Esq.

•Chiwendu Ugochukwu, Esq.

•Ernest Ezindu Uwanaka, Esq.

 

The contest for Publicity Secretary features:

•Ayewa Shegun Lawrence, Esq.

•Dr. Prince I. Azubuike

 

While the candidates for Assistant Publicity Secretary are:

•Lukman Oladimeji Jaiyeola, Esq.

•Aki Uwomano Anthony Junior, Esq.

•Hadiza Nasir Ahmad, Esq.

•Meti Monday Ukpeh, Esq.

 

The ECNBA also released the final list of candidates seeking election as NBA Representatives to the General Council of the Bar (GCB). Those qualified from the Eastern Zone are:

•Arinze Celestine Chukwu, Esq.

•Assam Akpan Assam, Esq.

•Chidi Betsy Nnaji (Mrs.)

•Dr. Celestine Nwaokoma Nwankwo

•Daniel Kip, Esq.

•Jane Omonor Apollos-James (Mrs.)

•Joy Obianuju Nnani, Esq.

•Kingsley C. Ehujuo, PhD, ACArb, KSJI

 

From the Western Zone, the qualified candidates are:

•Dhikrullah Adewale Balogun (DAB)

•Precious Ndidi Nwadimuya, Esq.

•Rotimi Komolafe, Esq.

 

The candidates from the Northern Zone are:

•Ledak D. Dafer, Esq.

•Friday Owicho Enejo, Esq.

•Muhammad Huwaila Ibrahim, Esq.

•Kadir Temim, Esq.

•Dr. Michael O. Olorunmola

•Bulus Yohanna Atsen, FSI

•Onimisi Friday Umar

 

The Committee stressed that the published list is final and represents the outcome of the entire screening and appeals process. Aspirants whose names do not appear on the list were reportedly notified individually of the Committee’s decision and were afforded the opportunity to challenge the outcome before the National Officers Election Appeals Committee. The ECNBA further reminded all candidates that electioneering activities must be conducted strictly in line with existing electoral guidelines, while additional directives on campaign commencement and closure dates will be issued in due course.

With the release of the final list, attention now shifts to the campaign season as candidates begin engagements with members across the country. The 2026 NBA General Elections are expected to attract considerable interest from members of the Bar, given the calibre of candidates vying for key national offices and the significance of the election in shaping the future direction of the Association.