Nigeria's first elected female President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN), has stated that she would resign immediately if credible evidence emerges proving that her election was manipulated. She made this declaration during an interview on TVC News' Beyond The Headlines programme, hosted by journalist Nifemi Oguntoye, on Thursday, July 24, 2026. The interview aired amid ongoing debates over the transparency and credibility of the NBA's presidential poll.
Rigging Allegations and the Outgoing President
Badejo-Okusanya firmly rejected claims that her victory was engineered. When asked about allegations that outgoing NBA President Afam Osigwe influenced her win, she categorically denied them. She stated that if investigations ever establish that her win was the product of manipulation, she would not cling to the office. “I told my co-contestants in public that if there was any indication or allegation that the process that brought me to power was flawed, I wouldn’t even discuss it with anyone before I resigned. That still remains my goal,” she said.
She also revealed that she contacted her opponents directly after the results were announced, describing the outreach as a gesture aimed at fostering unity within the association.
Family Ties to Tinubu's Cabinet Addressed
During the interview, Badejo-Okusanya was questioned about her sister, who serves in President Bola Tinubu's cabinet. Critics have raised concerns that this family connection could soften the NBA's traditional role as a watchdog on government conduct. She addressed the concern directly, asserting that her leadership of the NBA would not be influenced by personal relationships in government. She emphasized the distinction between her family ties and her professional responsibilities as head of the country's foremost legal professional body.
The NBA poll has drawn scrutiny from lawyers and commentators who have questioned how it was conducted. Badejo-Okusanya's pledge to resign if rigging is proven is seen as an effort to restore confidence in the electoral process.
Background and Previous Reporting
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya thanked members of the Nigerian Bar Association after emerging president-elect in the 2026 national officers’ election. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria described her victory as one for everyone who believes in a stronger Bar and pledged to serve members with integrity, humility, and accountability.
