In a landmark event, Afam Osigwe, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has been declared president-elect following the 2024 NBA election. The election, conducted entirely online, marked a significant step in modernising the association’s electoral process.
Voting commenced at midnight on Saturday and concluded at 11:59 pm, with real-time results made available on the official NBA election results portal. At the final tally, completed at 12:40 am on Sunday, Osigwe had secured 20,435 votes. His nearest competitor, Tobenna Erojikwe, Chairman of the NBA-Institute of Continuing Legal Education Governing Council, received 10,998 votes. Chukwuka Ikwuazom (SAN), former NBA Lagos Branch Chairman, garnered 9,018 votes. Osigwe is poised to take over from the outgoing president, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN).
In the other contested positions, Sabastine Anyia emerged victorious as the 1st Vice-President with 12,114 votes, while Bartholomew Aguegbodo trailed with 6,864 votes. Mrs. Bolatumi Animashaun clinched the 2nd Vice-President post with a commanding 26,534 votes, against Pius Oiwoh’s 11,121 votes. The 3rd Vice-President position was secured by Mrs. Zainab Garba, who obtained 23,550 votes, defeating Michael Olorunmola’s 13,897 votes.
Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara was elected General Secretary with 25,713 votes, outpacing his rival Abdulwasiu Alfa, who received 11,730 votes. Henry Ehi won the Assistant General Secretary position with 28,552 votes, while Oluwaseun Aka trailed with 8,317 votes. Mrs. Blessing Udofa-Poromon became Treasurer with 17,998 votes, besting Mbamala Chukwuemeka’s 9,825 votes.
Nyada Auta was elected Welfare Secretary, receiving 18,369 votes to defeat Oaikhena Osagie’s 12,855 votes. Mrs. Bridget Edokwe won the Publicity Secretary role with 19,542 votes, leaving Charles Ajiboye with 10,989 votes. Lastly, Miss Ebiere Ekpese secured the Assistant Publicity Secretary position with 26,955 votes, ahead of Lawrence Ayewa, who garnered 9,690 votes.
This election marks a pivotal moment for the NBA, showcasing the successful implementation of an online voting system that ensured transparency and accessibility for its members. As Osigwe prepares to lead the association, expectations are high for his tenure to bring renewed vigour and progressive reforms to Nigeria’s legal community.
