NEWS
INCLUSIVE: Abia-Born Sebastian Anyia Elected NBA Assistant Publicity Secretary as Badejo-Okusanya Makes History
Abia State has secured a place in the new leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) following the election of Sebastian Anyia as the Assistant Publicity Secretary of the association during the 2026 NBA national elections.
Anyia’s emergence is being celebrated by members of the legal profession in Abia as a significant milestone, giving the state representation in the newly elected national executive that will steer the affairs of Nigeria’s foremost legal body over the next two years.
The 2026 NBA national elections, conducted by the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), concluded on Sunday after nationwide electronic voting. The results were announced by the Chairman of the ECNBA, Aham Ejelam, SAN, at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja.
The elections also produced a historic outcome as Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, was elected the 33rd President of the Nigerian Bar Association, defeating fellow Senior Advocates Lateef Akangbe and Olumuyiwa Akinboro in a keenly contested race.
Badejo-Okusanya polled 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 per cent of the votes cast, while Akangbe secured 7,934 votes (30.39 per cent) and Akinboro garnered 5,855 votes (22.43 per cent).
With her victory, Badejo-Okusanya will serve as NBA President from 2026 to 2028, becoming only the second woman to lead the association after Priscilla Kuye, who served between 1991 and 1992.
The ECNBA disclosed that 26,184 lawyers participated in the election out of 82,172 registered voters, representing a voter turnout of 31.86 per cent.
Beyond the presidential contest, the election produced a new national executive across several key offices. Chief Oghenero Okoro emerged as First Vice-President, while Egya Nuhu John and Pepple Iniobong Irene were elected unopposed as Second and Third Vice-Presidents respectively.
Afam O. Okeke won the position of General Secretary, Aghogho Gladys Okpomor emerged as Assistant General Secretary, Esther Ifeoma Jimoh was elected Treasurer unopposed, Audrey Chinelo Ofoegbunam secured the office of Welfare Secretary, while Dr. Prince I. Azubuike was elected Publicity Secretary.
For Abia State, however, the spotlight remained firmly on Sebastian Anyia, whose election as Assistant Publicity Secretary adds to the state’s growing influence within the Nigerian Bar Association’s national leadership and is expected to strengthen its voice in the affairs of the legal profession nationwide.