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Nigerian Bar Association President-elect pledges to resign if election rigging is proven
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, the President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association, has stated she would resign if credible evidence emerged that the election which led to her presidency was rigged. Speaking on TVC News, Badejo-Okusanya addressed allegations from some contestants and lawyers that the 2026 NBA presidential election was manipulated in her favor. She maintained that the electronic voting process underwent unprecedented scrutiny and showed no signs of manipulation, noting that she consistently led throughout the election with a widening gap. Badejo-Okusanya dismissed suggestions of vote dumping or sudden spikes in votes, asserting the election was transparent and closely monitored. She also rejected comparisons to former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, reiterating her commitment to resigning if the process that produced her was found to be compromised. Furthermore, she denied claims of backing from the outgoing NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, and dismissed suggestions that her family ties to the Federal Government would compromise the NBA's independence, emphasizing her loyalty to the Bar members. Badejo-Okusanya aims for her tenure to make the NBA more professionally relevant to its members and to uphold the rule of law. Her comments come amidst ongoing controversy over the July 2026 NBA national election, where she became the first woman elected president with 12,317 votes. The first runner-up, Lateef Akangbe, SAN, and another presidential candidate, Olumuyi
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Must ReadThe Organised Private Sector of Nigeria OPSN has voiced strong opposition to the National Pension Commission's proposed increase in mandatory pension contributions and the introduction of an additional three percent mandatory annual contribution. The OPSN, which includes the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, among others, described the proposal as premature and counterproductive. They argue that while the intent may be to improve retirement benefits, the current economic conditions could make it a "Greek gift" that threatens employment, wage growth, business sustainability, and escalates compliance risks. The OPSN highlighted that Nigeria's current minimum pension contribution of 18 percent is comparable to the OECD average and should not be considered inadequate without specific actuarial evidence. They emphasized that any increase must be supported by credible assessments and emerge from genuine social dialogue, warning that imposing additional statutory payroll costs without a comprehensive impact assessment would further pressure struggling businesses, potentially leading to slower recruitment, reduced staff, and higher prices for consumers. The OPSN urged the Federal Government and PenCom to prioritize macroeconomic stability, enterprise sustainability, and job preservation, advising against policies that erode purchasing power and c
FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited has approved and listed Paras Energy Funding SPV Plc’s N15.00 billion 5-year 18.00 percent Series 1 Fixed Rate Bond on its platform. This listing, part of the company’s N25.00 billion Bond Issuance Programme, aims to finance power generation, expand critical infrastructure, and refinance existing debt obligations to improve electricity reliability in Nigeria. Ms. Tumi Sekoni, Group Chief Operating Officer of FMDQ Group Plc, highlighted the debt capital markets' role in funding Nigeria's power sector and connecting issuers like Paras Energy Funding with investors. Paras Energy Funding SPV Plc is a special purpose vehicle supporting the capital market financing needs of Paras Energy Group, an independent power generation company. Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited and FCMB Capital Markets Limited sponsored the transaction. FMDQ Exchange reiterated its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s financial ecosystem through market innovation and strong governance.
Must ReadKing Charles III officially opened the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, on Thursday, marking the start of a 10-day event designed to control costs. Approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories will compete for 215 gold medals across 10 sports and six para-sports. This year's Games represent a significant restructuring, following the withdrawal of Australia's Victoria as host in 2023 due to spiraling costs. Glasgow stepped in, hosting the event at a quarter of the cost of its previous hosting 12 years ago, and with the sporting program nearly halved from 19 sports to 10. King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Camilla, addressed the athletes, stating, "Your perseverance inspires us, and we eagerly anticipate your achievements in the coming days." George Black, Chair of Glasgow 2026, highlighted the city's commitment to making the Games happen despite uncertainties. The opening ceremony, held indoors for the first time, saw athletes welcomed into the arena, with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Scotland's First Minister John Swinney among those in attendance. The Falkland Islands' team received a notable ovation. Key events include athletics, swimming, artistic gymnastics, and track cycling, with a record number of para-sports. Scottish athlete Josh Kerr, Pakistan's Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem, India's Neeraj Chopra, England's Adam Peaty, and South Africa's Chad Le Clos are among the prominent competitors.