The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has unveiled the names of 89 shortlisted candidates for the prestigious 2026 Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank, stressing that the shortlist is not a final approval and inviting members of the public to submit verified comments on the integrity, competence and professional conduct of the nominees before the final selection.
By A1NEWS International
ABUJA, Nigeria — June 27, 2026
The race for Nigeria’s highest legal honour has entered a decisive stage as the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) released the names of 89 shortlisted candidates for the conferment of the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) for the 2026 exercise.
The shortlist comprises 77 legal practitioners in the advocacy category and 12 distinguished legal scholars in the academic category, all of whom successfully navigated several rigorous screening stages conducted by the LPPC.
However, the Committee has cautioned that inclusion on the shortlist does not guarantee eventual elevation to the coveted rank, as candidates must still undergo a final interview while members of the public have been invited to provide information regarding their professional integrity, competence and reputation.
The development marks another crucial phase in Nigeria’s most competitive legal recognition process, where only lawyers and academics with exceptional professional accomplishments are elevated annually.
LPPC Announces Shortlist After Rigorous Screening
The announcement was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Secretary of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee and Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
According to the Committee, the shortlisted candidates emerged after successfully completing several layers of assessment designed to evaluate legal competence, ethical standards and professional excellence.
The evaluation process included:
- First and second filtration exercises for advocates;
- Academic pre-qualification screening;
- Academic first attrition exercise;
- Independent appeals process;
- Chambers inspection exercise; and
- Other statutory assessments prescribed under the LPPC Guidelines.
The Committee explained that only candidates who met the required benchmarks advanced to the final interview stage.
Shortlisting Not Equivalent to Conferment
In what appears to be an effort to discourage premature celebrations, the LPPC emphasized that publication of the shortlist should not be interpreted as successful conferment of the SAN rank.
The Committee stated unequivocally:
“For the avoidance of doubt, the publication of the names of the shortlisted applicants is not an indication of a successful application.”
Legal observers note that several shortlisted candidates have, in previous years, failed to secure the rank after the final screening process.
Public Invited to Scrutinise Candidates
In a move aimed at strengthening transparency and preserving the integrity of the SAN award, the LPPC has invited members of the public to submit comments on the professional character of every shortlisted candidate.
The Committee specifically requested information relating to:
- Professional integrity;
- Ethical conduct;
- Reputation;
- Competence;
- General fitness for the rank.
However, to prevent frivolous allegations, the LPPC directed that every complaint must be accompanied by:
- A verifying affidavit;
- Sworn before a Superior Court of Record or a Notary Public in Nigeria;
- Submitted in twenty copies;
- Delivered not later than 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Legal analysts say the requirement reinforces the Committee’s determination to ensure only credible petitions influence its final deliberations.
Understanding the SAN Rank
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank remains the highest professional distinction available to legal practitioners in Nigeria.
Created to recognise exceptional advocacy, legal scholarship and contributions to jurisprudence, the SAN title is widely regarded as the Nigerian equivalent of the Queen’s Counsel (QC) or King’s Counsel (KC) in the United Kingdom.
Recipients enjoy significant professional prestige and often occupy leadership positions within Nigeria’s legal profession.
The annual exercise is governed by strict eligibility criteria, including years of legal practice, courtroom experience, scholarly contributions, ethical standing and service to the legal profession.
89 Candidates Make the 2026 Shortlist
The 2026 shortlist features prominent advocates from across the country as well as respected professors of law.
Among those shortlisted in the advocacy category are:
- Ibrahim Gamdeh Adamu
- Jude Chukwuemeka Okafor
- Godwill Achibong Umoh
- Olaide Bamidele Akinseye-George
- Aisha Ado Abdullahi
- Olawale Sunday Fapohunda
- Kayode Orire Omoshehin
- Obinna Gerald Onya
- Jonathan Akintola Makinde
- Olajide Salami
Others include dozens of experienced legal practitioners representing different branches of the Nigerian Bar.
The academic category comprises eminent professors of law, including:
- Prof. John Alewo Musa Agbonika
- Prof. Najeem Adeyemi Ijaiya
- Prof. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiareeri
- Prof. Nathaniel Ahabue Inegbedion
- Prof. Akkarren Samuel Shaakaa
- Prof. Violet Omon Aigbokhaevbo
- Prof. Emmanuel Ayangarumun Kenen
- Prof. Collins Odioma Chijioke
- Prof. Ahmed Rabiu
- Prof. Ibrahim Abikan Abdulqadir
Why the Process Matters
The SAN conferment process remains one of the most scrutinised exercises within Nigeria’s legal profession.
Beyond courtroom excellence, candidates are expected to demonstrate impeccable ethical standards, professional discipline and sustained contributions to the administration of justice.
Legal experts argue that the public participation component enhances transparency while helping the LPPC identify concerns that may not emerge during documentary assessments.
The process also reinforces public confidence in one of Nigeria’s most respected professional honours.
Final Interview to Determine Successful Candidates
Attention now shifts to the final interview stage where shortlisted applicants will undergo further assessment before the LPPC makes its final recommendations.
Only candidates who successfully satisfy every requirement—including professional competence, ethical standing and public confidence—will ultimately be conferred with the SAN rank.
The final list of successful applicants is expected to be announced after completion of all statutory procedures.
The release of the 2026 SAN shortlist marks another milestone in the annual process of recognising excellence within Nigeria’s legal profession.
While the inclusion of 89 candidates reflects the depth of legal talent across advocacy and academia, the LPPC’s insistence on public scrutiny and rigorous final assessments underscores its commitment to preserving the integrity and prestige associated with the Senior Advocate of Nigeria title.
With the final interview and public review process still ahead, legal practitioners, the Nigerian Bar and the wider public will closely watch who ultimately earns one of the country’s most coveted professional distinctions.
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