Former presidential candidate of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, FCIArb, has expressed profound appreciation to lawyers across the country for their support throughout the 2026 NBA presidential election, describing their resilience during the voting process as a powerful demonstration of commitment to democracy.
In a lengthy post-election message, Akangbe thanked every lawyer who spent hours attempting to vote despite repeated technical failures on the electronic voting platform. He lamented that while some members eventually succeeded in casting their ballots, many others—including himself—were unable to vote due to what he described as systemic failures that undermined the electoral process.
Reflecting on the campaign, Akangbe expressed gratitude to the thousands of lawyers who embraced his vision for a more inclusive, responsive, and welfare-driven NBA. He noted that although the election outcome did not favour his candidacy, he remained proud of the movement that emerged during the campaign and the relationships built across the country.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria reaffirmed that his commitment to the legal profession extends beyond elective office, revealing that he would soon announce new welfare initiatives targeted at underprivileged young lawyers and vulnerable members of the Association. According to him, his desire to serve the Bar remains unchanged despite the election result.
Akangbe also paid tribute to the numerous NBA branches, professional associations, interest groups, campaign coordinators, volunteers, friends, mentors, colleagues, and family members who supported his bid, acknowledging their sacrifices and unwavering belief in his leadership. He reserved special appreciation for members of his campaign team, describing their dedication as instrumental to the success of the movement.
Concluding his message, Akangbe urged his supporters to remain optimistic about the future, insisting that the campaign had achieved far more than electoral success. “We did not lose; we learned,” he stated, adding that every experience offers lessons and prepares the way for greater opportunities ahead.
Read Full Statement Below
THANK YOU!!!
A Note of Appreciation
By Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, FCIArb (LOA)
Distinguished Colleagues,
I begin by giving all thanks, praise and glory to God Almighty, the Most Beneficent and Most Merciful, who enthrones whomever He wills, whenever He wills.
I sincerely thank every lawyer who stayed awake for two nights trying to cast a vote, whether for me or for another candidate. You refreshed a broken portal countless times. You set alarms. You tried on your phones and laptops. You shared screenshots in your NBA Branch WhatsApp groups, documenting every error, every timeout and every failed authentication. You refused to give up. You refused to go to bed. You refused to surrender your democratic franchise to a system that was collapsing around you.
A minority succeeded in voting; the majority, like me, did not. Many of you tried for hours, only to be locked out by a platform that was never built to bear the weight of your democratic will. You were disenfranchised, not by choice, but by infrastructure; not by apathy, but by systemic failure.
I saw you. I saw the young lawyer who posted at 4:00 a.m. that she had been trying unsuccessfully for four hours to get past the authentication screen. I saw the senior lawyer who waited patiently with his associates so they could keep trying together.
What you demonstrated over those two nights was more than an attempt to vote. It was an act of resilience. It was an act of defiance against a system that made it exceedingly difficult for your voices to be heard. The Bar must never forget your sacrifice, and I certainly never will.
To every Nigerian lawyer who listened to my message, believed in my vision for the Bar, stood with me, and entrusted me with your votes even when the odds appeared insurmountable, I say a heartfelt thank you.
Your trust and genuine support are the reasons this journey mattered so deeply to me. You are the reason I travelled the length and breadth of Nigeria, sacrificed my time and resources, poured out my energy and strength, and gave so much of myself, even when giving up seemed the easier option.
Although the outcome was not what many of us hoped and prayed for, I urge you to hold your heads high. Meaningful change rarely happens overnight.
I assure you that my courage, conviction and vision for the Bar cannot be defeated by an election result. From the very beginning of this journey, I made it clear that I was not merely seeking a title. I was seeking to provide true leadership. I believe that objective has already been achieved.
I remain steadfastly committed to my vision for the Nigerian Bar Association and will continue to provide leadership within my capacity. In the coming weeks, I will make announcements regarding my welfare programmes for underprivileged young lawyers and vulnerable members of our Association, consistent with my long-standing track record of service.
I love you all, and I will always stand with you.
I deeply appreciate the support of the Lagos Branch of the NBA, MULAN, CLASFON, LWD, LOAN, NALT and the many other lawyers’ interest groups that supported this endeavour. I remain hopeful that our collective vision of one united Bar that truly works for all will become a reality.
Today, I may not have been declared President, but I leave this contest with something equally invaluable, the trust, confidence and respect of countless members of our profession. I will forever cherish the friendships and relationships built throughout this journey. It has been an extraordinary privilege.
To my incredible team, the coordinators across our 145 branches, our social media disseminators and handlers, videographers, dedicated bloggers, my Executive Assistant, my Chief of Staff, the Deputy Directors General, the Director General and his alternate, and my dependable friends, I am immensely proud of every one of you. You gave your very best, and no one could have asked for more.
This note of appreciation would be incomplete if I did not acknowledge certain individuals whose support was truly exceptional.
To Tobenna Erojikwe, my indefatigable brother in ideology, our shared philosophy and vision for the Bar have made us political Siamese twins. Thank you for standing firmly by my side.
To Oluchi Uchegbu, my “top striker,” your dedication was simply outstanding. You will always remain very special to me.
To Wale Irokosu, thank you for showing me what it truly means to have a soldier as a friend.
To Leader Lenneke, our DG, thank you for being there despite your recent appointment and its attendant busy schedule.
To my brothers from another mother, Adetoro Aluko (my GPA), Seun Faleye, Shams Alubankudi and Jibola Agoro, you are the real MVPs. You made this journey seamless.
To my partners and mentors in the firm, without whom I would not be where I am today, I remain profoundly grateful.
To my colleagues in the firm, thank you for exemplifying the SOOB LAW spirit of unity, excellence and togetherness.
To my Egbon and mentor, Dr. Wale Babalakin, thank you for always being there for me.
To Tola Oshobi, SAN; Kehinde Ogunwunmiju, SAN; Bode Olanipekun, SAN; Mayowa Owolabi; Orji Kalu; and Ovonlen Ebhohimhen, thank you for your friendship, kindness and unwavering support.
To my siblings, you are simply the best anyone could ever ask for.
To my loving wife and our beautiful daughters, I owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude. Your love, patience, sacrifice and unwavering support made this journey possible.
Finally, to those who never believed I had the capacity to come this far, thank you for giving me the opportunity to prove that determination, hard work and conviction can defy expectations.
We did not lose; we learned. Every experience is a lesson, and every setback is preparation for greater opportunities ahead.
May God bless you all.
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, FCIArb