Electoral Democracy Takes Centre- Stage as Catholic Lawyers name Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, as Guest Speaker for 2026 Law Week By Raymond Enoch
As national debate on Nigeria’s democratic future gather momentum, the National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL), Abuja Chapter, has unveiled an action-packed programme for its 2026 Law Week, placing electoral democracy and legal reforms at the heart of its week-long activities.
The association announced that renowned legal luminary Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb, will deliver the prestigious St. Thomas More Public Lecture, the flagship event of the Law Week, themed “Electoral Democracy in Nigeria and the 2026 Electoral Act.”
The lecture, scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Central Area, Abuja, is expected to attract senior advocates, judges, policymakers, academics, public officials, election stakeholders and members of the legal profession for robust discussions on strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and electoral process.
The carefully selected theme comes at a critical period in Nigeria’s democratic journey, with organisers describing the event as a strategic platform to examine the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act, evaluate the nation’s electoral framework and proffer practical solutions for credible, transparent and accountable elections.
Beyond legal discourse, the Abuja Chapter has designed a comprehensive programme that reflects the association’s commitment to professional excellence, Christian values, humanitarian service and national development.
Activities commenced on Monday, June 22, with an Opening Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, where members sought divine guidance for the success of the Law Week and for Nigeria’s justice system.
On Tuesday, June 23, members are expected to undertake a humanitarian outreach to Kubwa General Hospital, demonstrating the association’s dedication to compassion and service to society beyond the courtroom.
The social highlight of the celebration will be the Law Week Dinner Night on Friday, June 26, at Sandralia Hotel, Utako, where members, invited guests and stakeholders will interact, strengthen professional relationships and celebrate the achievements of the association.
Promoting healthy living also forms part of the week’s activities, with an Aerobics Session scheduled for Saturday, June 27, at the Old Parade Ground, Muhammadu Buhari Way, Garki, before the programme concludes with a Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday, June 28, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, Mabushi.
Anchored on the biblical admonition, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34), the 2026 Law Week underscores the association’s resolve to promote justice, integrity, ethical leadership and responsible citizenship.
Organisers expressed confidence that the public lecture and other activities will stimulate meaningful conversations on electoral reforms while inspiring legal practitioners to continue defending the rule of law and advancing democratic governance in Nigeria.
With electoral integrity remaining central to the nation’s democratic consolidation, the National Association of Catholic Lawyers believes the 2026 Law Week will provide a unique platform for charting practical solutions capable of strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system and deepening the country’s democratic culture.
