Former Nigerian Bar Association presidential candidate, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, FCIArb, has thanked his supporters and other lawyers who struggled to vote in the just-concluded NBA election, saying many members were unable to exercise their franchise because of what he described as a broken portal, failed authentication and systemic failure.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
In a note of appreciation titled “Thank You!!!”, Akangbe began by giving thanks and glory to God Almighty, whom he described as the one who enthrones whomever He wills and whenever He wills.
He said he was grateful to every lawyer who stayed awake for two nights trying to cast a vote, whether for him or for another candidate. According to him, many lawyers repeatedly refreshed the voting portal, set alarms, tried voting on phones and laptops, and shared screenshots in NBA Branch WhatsApp groups showing errors, timeouts and failed authentication.
Akangbe said those lawyers refused to give up, go to bed or surrender their democratic franchise to what he described as “a system that was collapsing” around them.
“A minority succeeded in voting; the majority, like me, did not,” he said.
He added that many lawyers tried for hours only to be locked out by a platform which, according to him, was never built to carry the weight of their democratic will.
“You were disenfranchised, not by choice, but by infrastructure; not by apathy, but by systemic failure,” Akangbe said.
He said he saw young and senior lawyers who kept trying to vote despite repeated failures, including a young lawyer who posted at 4:00 a.m. that she had been trying unsuccessfully for four hours to get past the authentication screen, and a senior lawyer who waited patiently with his associates so they could keep trying together.
According to him, what lawyers demonstrated over the two nights went beyond an attempt to vote. He described it as an act of resilience and defiance against a system that made it extremely difficult for their voices to be heard.
“The Bar must never forget your sacrifice, and I certainly never will,” he said.
Akangbe thanked every Nigerian lawyer who listened to his message, believed in his vision for the Bar, stood with him and entrusted him with their votes despite what he described as insurmountable odds.
He said their trust and genuine support were the reasons the journey mattered deeply to him, adding that they inspired him to travel across Nigeria, sacrifice his time and resources, and pour his energy and strength into the campaign even when giving up seemed easier.
Although the outcome was not what many of his supporters had hoped and prayed for, Akangbe urged them to hold their heads high, saying meaningful change rarely happens overnight.
He said his courage, conviction and vision for the Bar could not be defeated by an election result.
According to him, he made it clear from the beginning that he was not merely seeking a title but seeking to provide true leadership, an objective he said had already been achieved.
Akangbe said he remained committed to his vision for the Nigerian Bar Association and would continue to provide leadership within his capacity.
He disclosed that in the coming weeks, he would make announcements regarding welfare programmes for underprivileged young lawyers and vulnerable members of the Association, consistent with what he described as his long-standing record of service.
“I love you all, and I will always stand with you,” he said.
He appreciated the support of the Lagos Branch of the NBA, MULAN, CLASFON, LWD, LOAN, NALT, and other lawyers’ interest groups that supported his campaign.
Akangbe said he remained hopeful that the collective vision of one united Bar that truly works for all would become a reality.
He said although he was not declared President, he left the contest with something equally valuable: the trust, confidence and respect of countless members of the legal profession.
He also said he would forever cherish the friendships and relationships built throughout the campaign, describing the journey as an extraordinary privilege.
Akangbe thanked his campaign team, coordinators across 145 branches, social media disseminators and handlers, videographers, bloggers, his Executive Assistant, Chief of Staff, Deputy Directors General, Director General and alternate Director General, as well as his friends, saying they gave their very best.
He specifically acknowledged Tobenna Erojikwe, whom he described as his “indefatigable brother in ideology,” saying their shared philosophy and vision for the Bar made them “political Siamese twins.”
He also thanked Oluchi Uchegbu, whom he called his “top striker,” for outstanding dedication; Wale Irokosu, for showing him what it means to have a soldier as a friend; and Leader Lenneke, his Director General, for standing by him despite his recent appointment and busy schedule.
Akangbe further appreciated Adetoro Aluko, whom he described as his GPA, as well as Seun Faleye, Shams Alubankudi and Jibola Agoro, calling them “the real MVPs” who made the journey seamless.
He expressed gratitude to his partners and mentors in his firm, saying he would not be where he is today without them, and thanked his colleagues for exemplifying the SOOB LAW spirit of unity, excellence and togetherness.
He also appreciated his mentor, Dr. Wale Babalakin, for always being there for him, and thanked Tola Oshobi, SAN; Kehinde Ogunwunmiju, SAN; Bode Olanipekun, SAN; Mayowa Owolabi; Orji Kalu; and Ovonlen Ebhohimhen for their friendship, kindness and unwavering support.
Akangbe equally thanked his siblings, describing them as the best anyone could ask for, and expressed deep appreciation to his wife and daughters for their love, patience, sacrifice and support throughout the campaign.
He concluded by thanking those who never believed he had the capacity to come this far, saying they gave him 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,” Akangbe said.
As an added bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE ebook titled: “How to use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion.”
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACiarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
_______________________________________________________________________
“Order Justice Omolaye-Ajileye’s Electronic Evidence Books Now” — Essential Guides On Evidence Act, Case Law And Digital Proof
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
LAWBREED — Equipping You For Greater Success!
_______________________________________________________________________
