Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe has rejected the outcome of the recently concluded Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidential election, describing the process as deeply flawed and alleging that technical failures prevented thousands of lawyers from voting.
Akangbe, who contested the election won by Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya (SAN), accused the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) of conducting the poll despite concerns that the electronic voting platform was not adequately prepared.
In a statement titled “Thank You,” Akangbe expressed appreciation to lawyers across the country who made repeated attempts to vote, saying many spent hours trying to access the platform but were unable to cast their ballots due to technical issues.
He claimed that the election lacked credibility, alleging that the ECNBA moved the election date from July 20 to July 18 without obtaining approval from the NBA National Executive Council, despite earlier discussions recommending a postponement.
Akangbe further alleged that the electoral committee introduced a new SMS-based verification system less than 48 hours before voting commenced, leaving members with little time to familiarize themselves with the new process.
He questioned the committee’s explanation that a cyberattack caused the platform’s failure, arguing that such threats should have been anticipated and addressed before the election.
According to him, he was also unable to vote despite receiving multiple voting links from NBA officials, raising concerns about the accessibility and reliability of the electronic voting system.
Akangbe noted that voter turnout dropped significantly compared to previous NBA elections, claiming that only about 27 percent of accredited voters successfully participated in the 2026 poll, compared to over 56 percent in the last two elections.
He argued that the low participation was the result of system failures rather than voter apathy and also alleged that there were reports of multiple voting on the platform, a development he said could affect the integrity of the election.
The senior lawyer warned that the controversy could weaken the legal profession’s credibility, particularly ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, where the NBA is expected to advocate for transparent and credible electoral processes.
Although he has not announced whether he will challenge the outcome in court, Akangbe said he and his legal team are reviewing available options while preserving evidence relating to complaints from affected voters.
He maintained that his campaign’s goal of promoting transparency, accountability and reforms within the Nigerian Bar Association would continue despite the election outcome.
