Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, FCIArb, faults ECNBA over technical failures, disenfranchisement, and credibility concerns in Bar polls

Presidential candidate in the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) election, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, FCIArb, has faulted the conduct of the just-concluded election, describing the exercise as “shambolic” and unworthy of the legal profession.

In a statement titled “Thank You,” issued on 19 July 2026, Akangbe thanked lawyers across the country for their resilience and determination despite what he described as widespread technical failures that prevented many members from voting.

He commended lawyers who remained awake for hours attempting to access the electronic voting platform, saying their persistence demonstrated their commitment to the democratic process.

According to him, while some members eventually succeeded in casting their votes, the majority were effectively disenfranchised by a platform that failed to cope with the demands of the election.

Akangbe also paid tribute to all 141 branches of the NBA for mobilising members and supporting them throughout what he described as a difficult and chaotic voting process.

Turning to the conduct of the election, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria questioned the decision of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) to move the NEC-approved election date from 20 July to 18 July 2026, alleging that the change was made without the approval of the National Executive Council.

He further claimed that despite an agreement reached at a stakeholders’ meeting on 15 July 2026 to postpone the election by one week to allow lawyers familiarise themselves with a newly introduced SMS-based authentication system, the election proceeded as scheduled.

According to Akangbe, the authentication method was changed from email verification to SMS barely 48 hours before voting commenced, leaving thousands of lawyers struggling to navigate an unfamiliar system.

He also criticised the ECNBA’s explanation that the voting platform suffered a coordinated cyberattack, arguing that election technology should have been sufficiently tested and fortified against such foreseeable threats before deployment.

The presidential candidate disclosed that he was personally unable to cast his vote despite what he described as repeated interventions by the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and the ECNBA Chairman, Mr. Aham Ejelam, SAN, who allegedly sent him multiple links to access the voting portal.

“I am a presidential candidate. I could not vote. The ECNBA Chairman and the NBA President personally sent me five separate links. Not one of them worked. If they could not get the platform to work for a candidate they were personally trying to help, what happened to the ordinary member in Jalingo or Ado-Ekiti who had no one highly placed to call?”

Akangbe further questioned the credibility of the election turnout, noting that while previous NBA presidential elections recorded voter participation of over 56 per cent, the ECNBA’s reported figures suggested that only about 27 per cent of the 82,164 accredited voters successfully voted in the 2026 election.

He argued that the low turnout reflected not voter apathy but systemic disenfranchisement caused by platform failure, authentication problems, and the decision to proceed with an election that, according to him, was not adequately prepared.

The senior lawyer also referred to reports alleging that some voters were able to cast multiple ballots, stating that if verified, such incidents would raise serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process.

Describing the exercise as one that “cannot pass any credibility test,” Akangbe warned that the NBA risks losing the moral authority to demand credible elections in Nigeria if it fails to conduct its own internal elections transparently.

He said the issues raised by the election were particularly significant as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, during which the NBA is expected to play a leading role in defending the rule of law and electoral integrity.

While refraining from commenting on the declared outcome of the election, Akangbe disclosed that he and his team are reviewing all available options and would soon announce their next course of action.

He stated that evidence, including screenshots, failed authentication attempts, and reports from affected voters, was being compiled and preserved.

Akangbe maintained that his campaign was driven by a desire to build a more transparent, accountable, and responsive Bar, assuring his supporters that his commitment to reforming the Association remains unchanged.

“The Bar is bigger than any single election, any single candidate, and any single result. The work continues,” he stated.

… Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, FCIArb, faults ECNBA over technical failures, disenfranchisement, and credibility concerns in Bar polls … Naijaonpoint.