Tinubu Congratulates Badejo-Okusanya, Hails Historic Election as NBA President

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her election as President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing her emergence as a landmark achievement for the legal profession and a significant step forward for gender inclusion.

Badejo-Okusanya becomes the first woman to be elected president of the association and the second woman to lead the NBA since its establishment in 1933.

In a congratulatory statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the election as a “watershed moment” and a reflection of the growing contributions of women to nation-building, justice and public service.

The President said Badejo-Okusanya's professional career, which he described as distinguished by integrity, excellence and commitment to justice, earned her the confidence of legal practitioners across the country.

Tinubu expressed confidence that the incoming NBA president would use her tenure to strengthen the legal profession, promote the rule of law and support reforms aimed at improving access to justice for Nigerians.

He urged her to work with relevant stakeholders to advance judicial reforms, protect the sanctity of the Constitution and reinforce the legal profession's role as a key pillar of democratic governance.

The President also pledged his administration's continued collaboration with the NBA in efforts to deepen democracy, promote justice and contribute to the development of a more prosperous and united Nigeria.

“I extend my hearty congratulations to the President-elect of the NBA for her victory. As the first elected female president of the Association of Lawyers in Nigeria, Mrs Badejo-Okusanya has made history,” Tinubu said.

He added that her victory demonstrated that women could attain the highest levels of achievement in their careers and public service through excellence and determination.

However, Tinubu also urged the president-elect to extend an olive branch to her fellow contestants and work towards rebuilding unity within the association following the election.

“I urge you to reach out to the other contestants, unify the Bar and make efforts to correct issues that arose during your election,” he said.

The President wished Badejo-Okusanya a successful tenure and expressed hope that her leadership would contribute positively to the legal profession and the country.

Badejo-Okusanya emerged victorious after securing the highest number of votes in the NBA presidential election, which concluded on Sunday morning.

The election was conducted electronically over a 24-hour period, with voting beginning at 7:35 a.m on Saturday and closing at 7:34 a.m on Sunday.

She polled 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the 26,106 ballots cast in the election.

The only female candidate among the three contenders for the presidency, Badejo-Okusanya's victory makes her the 33rd president of the NBA and the second woman to occupy the position.

Other candidates also secured positions in the association's new leadership structure, with Afam Okeke emerging as General Secretary after receiving 8,478 votes.

The newly elected NBA officials are expected to serve a two-year tenure covering the 2026–2028 period.

Badejo-Okusanya's election is expected to place renewed focus on the association's role in judicial reform, professional ethics, access to justice and the protection of constitutional democracy, while her call to unite the Bar will be closely watched as she prepares to assume office.