ECNBA Publishes Final 2026 Election Candidate List After Appeals Resolution

The Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) has published the definitive roster of qualified aspirants for the 2026 national elections. This release follows the conclusion of all outstanding appeals, marking a significant step forward in the electoral timeline.

The move comes shortly after the National Officers Election Appeals Committee (NOEAC) settled disputes raised by disqualified candidates. These resolutions have ended previous delays that had sparked anxiety among legal practitioners regarding the integrity of the process.

According to the ECNBA, the publication of the final list adheres strictly to the NBA Constitution 2015, as amended in 2025, and ECNBA Notice No. 2 dated February 9, 2026. The committee emphasized that all screening and appeal determinations were completed in line with these regulatory frameworks.

In a notice signed by ECNBA Chairman, Mr Aham Ejelam, SAN, and Secretary, Mr Ibrahim Nassarawa, the committee confirmed that two appeals were successfully upheld. The beneficiaries are Bulus Yohanna Atsen (FSI) and Onimisi Friday Umar, both from the Northern Zone. They are now qualified to contest for the position of NBA Representative to the General Council of the Bar.

The ECNBA said that the published list is final and binding on all aspirants. It further clarified that candidates whose names were omitted have been individually notified. These individuals were given the opportunity to challenge their disqualification through the established constitutional appeal process.

An examination of the final roster reveals that the race for top national offices remains largely static. Three candidates are set to compete for the presidency, while another three are vying for the First Vice President role.

Conversely, several positions are expected to see uncontested victories. Nuhu John Egya, Irene Iniobong Pepple, and Esther Ifeoma Jimoh are poised to be returned unopposed as Second Vice President, Third Vice President, and Treasurer, respectively.

Other roles remain highly competitive. Six candidates are fighting for the General Secretary position, while seven are contesting for Assistant General Secretary. The Welfare Secretary race involves five aspirants, two are vying for Publicity Secretary, and four are competing for Assistant Publicity Secretary.

For the General Council of the Bar, the Eastern Zone will see eight candidates in contention. In the Western Zone, two candidates are expected to be returned unopposed. Meanwhile, the Northern Zone now features seven candidates, an increase from five, following the successful appeals by Atsen and Umar.