ECNBA Publishes Full List of Aspirants for 2026 NBA Elections (National Offices and GCB Seats)
The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) has released the full list of lawyers who have indicated interest in contesting the 2026 NBA Elections, marking a significant early step in the electoral process.
In Notice No. 5 dated March 2, 2026, the Committee disclosed that the publication reflects only those who have submitted Letters of Expression of Interest for National Offices and positions as representatives of the Bar in the General Council of the Bar (GCB).
The ECNBA was, however, quick to clarify that this stage does not amount to nomination. According to the Committee, nomination remains a distinct process governed by the NBA Constitution (2015 as amended in 2025), and will be conducted separately in due course.
A total of 26 aspirants signified interest in representing the NBA at the General Council of the Bar. The list cuts across branches nationwide and includes Arinze Celestine Chukwu (Aba East); Assam Akpan Assan (Calabar East); Augustine Enefiok Udoh (Uyo); Celestine Nwaokoma Nwankwo (Okehi); Chidi Betsy Nnaji (Idemili); Daniel Ka-Ayii Kip (Calabar); Ikechukwu Ogbonna (Warri); Jane Omonor Apollos-James (Port Harcourt); Joy Obianuju Nnani (Nike); Kingsley Chukwunonso Ehujuo (Owerri); Ozoaka Marcellinus Nduka (Enugu); Dhikrullah Adewale Balogun (Ibadan); Foluke Olamiposi Akinmolledun (Lagos); Joseph Oluwafemi Olumudi (Ikeja); Kadir Temim (Ibadan); Rotimi Komolafe (Ikeja); Bulus Yohanna Aksen (Garki); Dafer Ledak Dazuk (Jos); Friday Owicho Enejo (Barnawa); Ganiyu Ajape (Abuja); Jibrin Umoru (Abuja); Johnson Pius Ayah (Bwari); Huwaila Muhammad Ibrahim (Kano); Olorunmola Michael Olarewaju (Lokoja); Onimisi Friday Umar (Kogi); and Promise Irini-Ose Ajumebor (Yola).
For the highly anticipated presidential race, three Senior Advocates and a prominent female practitioner have stepped forward: Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN; Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN; and Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya.
The race for First Vice President is equally competitive, featuring Chief Oghenero Okoro, Luqman Laoye, and Onimisi Stephen Obajaja. Nuhu John Egya is the sole aspirant for Second Vice President, while Iniobong Irene Pepple is listed for Third Vice President.
In the contest for General Secretary, the field includes Afamefuna Okwudili Okeke, Barth Okoye-Aniche, Chidi Vick Ezenwafor, Dr. Rapulechukwu Ernest Nduka, Nnaebuka Onyebuchi Nwaeze, and Okey Leo Ohagba.
Six aspirants are contesting for Assistant General Secretary, namely Benjamin Emeka Enyiagu, Chiduabo Prince Henry Mamah, Gladys Aghogho Okpomor, Onwudinjo Lucky Eloka, Osarodion Michael Igiede, and Osatohamwen Uwagboe.
Esther Ifeoma Jimoh is the only aspirant for Treasurer, while the Welfare Secretary position has attracted five contenders: Akinwunmi Samson, Aigbokhai Oaikhena Osagie, Chinelo Audrey Ofoegbunam, Chiwendu Ugochukwu, and Ernest Ezindu Uwanaka.
The contest for Publicity Secretary features Lawrence Ikpehai Ayewa, Prince Ikwuadi Azubuike, Yakubu Moses Ede, Aki Uwomano Anthony Junior, Hadiza Nasir Ahmad, Lukman Oladimeji Jaiyeola, and Meti Monday Ukpeh.
The ECNBA further reminded aspirants and members to adhere strictly to campaign regulations as outlined in earlier notices, stressing that the integrity of the process depends on compliance with constitutional provisions.
With this publication, the 2026 NBA electoral season formally gathers momentum, setting the stage for what is expected to be a keenly contested race across multiple offices.
