Election Results and Status

• Early Standings: As of 11:33 a.m. on Saturday, with 11,600 votes counted, Badejo-Okusanya led with 4,860 votes (41.77%).

• Rival Performance: Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe (SAN) followed with 3,851 votes (33.10%), and Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN) trailed with 2,924 votes (25.13%).

• Election Status: The final result has not yet been declared.

Election Disruptions and Controversy

• Cyberattack: The start of voting was delayed from the scheduled midnight commencement after the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association’s electronic platform suffered a coordinated cyberattack by external actors.

• Integrity Assurances: Despite the disruption, the committee stated that the platform was restored, voting proceeded, and the integrity of the process remained protected.

• Leadership Allegations: NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), has dismissed recent allegations that he attempted to rig or influence the election, asserting that the Electoral Committee operates independently of his office.

• Credibility Concerns: Leading up to the poll, various stakeholders raised concerns regarding the credibility of the process, including calls for postponement and demands for mandatory National Identification Number verification. The NBA maintained that only the Electoral Committee is constitutionally authorized to conduct the election and denied all claims of leadership interference.

• Election Claims: Obi reiterated his belief that he was the rightful winner of the 2023 presidential election, maintaining that his victory was denied through electoral manipulation rather than a true reflection of the voters’ choice.

• Call for Change: He stated that the public is determined to see change, suggesting that the next election will provide Nigerians with another opportunity to alter the country’s direction.

• The Missing Element: Arguing that current sacrifices made by citizens have not yielded improved living conditions, Obi identified the absence of effective leadership as Nigeria’s primary challenge.

• Motivation and Vision: Obi clarified that his ambition is not driven by personal desperation to hold office, but by a commitment to building a functional society where all children—regardless of family wealth or background—have hope and opportunities to succeed.

• Voter Empowerment: Expressing confidence in the electorate, Obi noted that voters have learned from previous experiences and will find ways to ensure their choices count in the upcoming 2027 cycle.

Following the 2023 election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declared President Tinubu the winner, and subsequent legal challenges initiated by Obi were unsuccessful.