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NBA ELECTIONS 2026: CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS, BUT THE ELECTORAL PROCESS MUST BE QUESTIONED

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For the first time in my life as a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), I was unable to exercise my right to vote in an NBA election.
It was not for lack of trying. I made repeated and strenuous efforts to participate in the electoral process, but all proved futile.

From the commencement of voting, after several hours of reported technical glitch, the One-Time Password (OTP) required to complete the voting process simply did not arrive. After several unsuccessful attempts, the response on my device changed to the now-familiar refrain: “This site can’t be reached.”
Sadly, that remained my experience until voting eventually came to an end.

was not alone, my son, who is also a lawyer and eligible voter, suffered a similar unfortunate fate. Several colleagues and friends called me during the exercise to complain of substantially similar difficulties. Some even changed from their mobile devices to laptops, which were reportedly suggested as a better means of accessing the voting platform, yet their difficulties persisted.

Against this background, it would be difficult to dismiss these complaints as isolated incidents or the frustrations of a few disgruntled voters.
An electoral process that technically disenfranchises a significant number of eligible voters cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be described as wholly free, fair, credible and inclusive.

There was considerable enthusiasm surrounding this year’s NBA election. Many lawyers were eager to participate because of the attention, mobilisation and expectations generated around the contest. It is therefore deeply unfortunate that many who desired to exercise their franchise were allegedly prevented from doing so, not by their own choice, but by apparent failures in the electoral technology and process.
Whoever insists that there was no problem with the process, in the face of the widespread complaints experienced and reported by members, would simply not be presenting a fair account of what transpired.

This is not, however, an invitation to diminish the victories of those who have been declared winners.
I warmly congratulate Madam Oyin Badejo-Okusanya, the newly announced President of the Nigerian Bar Association, as well as all other candidates who emerged victorious in the election. I wish them a successful tenure and sincerely hope that their leadership will strengthen the Bar, defend the rule of law and advance the welfare and professional interests of Nigerian lawyers.

Indeed, I believe Madam Badejo-Okusanya could still have won resoundingly even without the technical glitches that unfortunately cast a shadow over the process. That is precisely why the issues arising from the election should not be ignored or swept under the carpet.
The legitimacy of leadership is strengthened, not weakened, when legitimate questions surrounding the process that produced it are openly acknowledged and addressed.

The starting point for the new NBA leadership should therefore be a candid interrogation of the electoral process through which it emerged.
There is a useful lesson from Nigeria’s democratic history. When the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua emerged victorious in the controversial 2007 general election, he openly acknowledged that the electoral process that brought him into office was flawed and thereafter initiated electoral reforms. That acknowledgment did not diminish his office; rather, it demonstrated an important willingness to confront deficiencies in the system.

The incoming NBA leadership should demonstrate similar institutional courage.
Madam Oyin Badejo-Okusanya owes the NBA constituency a responsibility to acknowledge the genuine complaints arising from this election and to support a transparent review of what went wrong. The relevant electoral authorities of the Association should provide clear answers: Why did so many eligible voters reportedly experience difficulties receiving OTPs? Why were members confronted with inaccessible platforms and error messages? What was the extent of voter disenfranchisement caused by these technical failures? Were adequate contingency measures in place? And, most importantly, what concrete reforms will ensure that these failures are never repeated?

These questions should not be treated as partisan attacks against the winners. They are institutional questions that go directly to the integrity of the Nigerian Bar Association.
As lawyers, we routinely demand credible elections, transparency and accountability from the Independent National Electoral Commission and other public institutions. The NBA cannot demand from others a standard that it is unwilling to apply rigorously to itself.

The Association must therefore undertake a comprehensive post-election audit and review of the 2026 electoral process. The findings should be made available to members, identified technological and administrative failures should be addressed, and appropriate safeguards must be instituted well ahead of the next election.
Electronic voting should expand participation, not become an instrument however unintended to disenfranchise.

I congratulate the winners once again and wish them well. But let the winners note this, an election in which a presidential candidate, many of my colleagues, my son and persons like me who were ready, willing and eligible to vote could not exercise their franchise because of reported technical failures raises serious questions about the inclusiveness, credibility and fairness of that process.
I am saying so clearly.
The NBA must learn from this experience and correct its shortcomings before the next election.
The time to start is NOW!

Dr. M. O. Ubani, SAN
Legal Practitioner/Policy Analyst

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Henry Onyema Madubuike Unveils “Osiri,” a Novel Exploring Ancestral Heritage, Reincarnation and Cultural Identity

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Renowned author Henry Onyema Madubuike has released Osiri, a novel that explores the profound relationship between a people’s origins, their ancestral covenant with the supernatural, and the enduring mysteries of incarnation and reincarnation.

The novel presents a compelling narrative that examines how the choices and agreements made by ancestors continue to shape the identity, destiny and collective consciousness of future generations. Through rich storytelling, Osiri invites readers to reflect on the enduring influence of ancestral heritage and the spiritual foundations upon which societies are built.

Beyond its exploration of spirituality and cultural traditions, Osiri delves into universal themes of love, life, death and rebirth. The novel portrays these experiences as interconnected aspects of human existence, illustrating how relationships, sacrifices and enduring bonds transcend generations.

A central theme of the book is the significance of intimacy and human connection, emphasizing the role of love and relationships in sustaining families, communities and cultural continuity. It also highlights how ancestral values and traditions continue to shape social structures, preserve historical narratives and define the identity of a people.

According to the author, Osiri seeks to inspire readers to appreciate the importance of cultural heritage while provoking deeper reflection on the spiritual dimensions of existence and humanity’s connection to its past.

Through its blend of history, culture, spirituality and compelling storytelling, Osiri offers readers an engaging literary experience that celebrates African traditions while raising timeless questions about destiny, identity and the enduring influence of ancestral covenants.

“Osiri is a novel that delves into the intricate connections between a people’s foundation, their ancestors’ covenant with the supernatural and the realms of incarnation and reincarnation.

Exploring themes of love, life death and rebirth, it reflects also the deep-rooted importance of the bond of intimacy.

It also explores the idea that a people’s identity and destiny are tied to their ancestors’ agreement with supernatural forces, preserving historical narratives, cultural practices and social structure and the importance of ancestral heritage.” — Henry Onyema Madubuike

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Akobundu Hails Monday Ubani, SAN, as Legal Icon, Congratulates Him on PhD in Law Conferment

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The Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator Austin Akobundu, has described renowned legal luminary, Barr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, as an icon of justice, a shining light in the legal profession, and a worthy example to generations to come.

Senator Akobundu stated this in his congratulatory message to Dr. Ubani on his conferment of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law by Babcock University at an official ceremony holding today, Tuesday, 22nd July, 2026, at the University’s campus in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.

He extolled the virtues of perseverance, determination, resilience, and excellence demonstrated by Dr. Ubani, SAN, in the pursuit of this academic height, noting that it sets him apart as an exemplary academic and brilliant lawyer whose advocacy for human rights and a better society has distinguished him in the legal profession.

While praying for God’s continued blessings upon him, Senator Akobundu wished him a successful award ceremony and greater heights in life.

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Abia Governor Alex Otti Pledges Full Support for UTME Star Michael Offorkaile, Who Scored 367

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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has announced that the state government will provide support for the further education of Master Michael Offorkaile, the Abia-born student who scored 367 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), ranking fifth highest nationally.

Governor Otti made the pledge on Monday when he received the high-performing student, his parents, and management of Grundtvig International Secondary School, Oba, Anambra State, at the Government House in Umuahia.

Congratulating the teenager on his exceptional performance, Otti said the state does not take academic excellence for granted and will celebrate its high achievers.

“We don’t take this for granted. The whole idea is to celebrate our own when they do well,” the governor stated. “As a government founded on meritocracy, we will not stop celebrating people who do well.”

Otti directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Emeh Uche, to work out the details of the support package for Offorkaile. He also asked his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Dodoh Okafor, to liaise with the student’s parents for necessary follow-up.

The governor encouraged the young scholar to aim even higher in his university education. “JAMB is the little roadblock you have to go through to now start a degree programme of four years. So, having been celebrated because you came first, we expect that you even do better as you go to the university,” he said.

He added: “As a state, we will support you. I believe that the details of the support will be worked out with the Commissioner for Tertiary Education. But I think what is most important is for you to know that your state is behind you.”

Prof. Uche Emeh Uche, who introduced the student, revealed that the governor personally directed her to locate Offorkaile and bring him to the state for proper recognition.

The Principal of Grundtvig International Secondary School, Mr. Ige Bello, and Offorkaile’s father, Mr. Odinaka Offorkaile, from Umunneochi Local Government Area, expressed that they were not surprised by the outstanding result, citing the student’s consistent academic brilliance.

They thanked Governor Otti for the honour and commended his commitment to education and good governance in Abia State.

In his response, Michael Offorkaile thanked the governor for the recognition and described him as a role model.

“I want to thank you for what you have done for me and my family, and also my school today. I will also try my best to keep performing, keep inspiring, and keep encouraging students from Abia and Nigeria,” the top scorer said.

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