The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Friday raised alarm over what it described as increasing interference by courts in the internal affairs of political parties, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), the association condemned the growing practice of lawyers instituting suits that invite judicial pronouncements on party leadership and internal disputes, in violation of the law.
The NBA said such actions contravene provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly Section 83, which expressly bars courts from entertaining matters relating to the internal affairs of political parties.
Describing the development as “disturbing,” the body warned that continued judicial involvement could erode democratic norms and turn the courts into tools for political manipulation.
“This emerging trend of subverting the clear letters of the Electoral Act and dragging courts into the internal affairs of political parties through disingenuous litigation, forum shopping and mala fide applications designed to secure undemocratic political advantage bodes no good for our democracy,” the statement read.
The association further cautioned that allowing such practices to persist could transform the judiciary into “avenues for political score-settling or electoral manipulation,” thereby undermining public confidence in the legal system.
Although the NBA did not cite specific cases, its warning comes amid the lingering leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has been exacerbated by a recent ruling of the Court of Appeal.
The crisis deepened after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly de-recognised factions within the party, citing its interpretation of the appellate court’s decision.
Political analysts have warned that the protracted dispute could jeopardise the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections, especially as critical timelines for congresses and candidate nominations approach.
Some leaders of the ADC had earlier staged a protest at INEC headquarters in Abuja, accusing the electoral body of bias and attempting to sideline the opposition party ahead of the polls.
Reiterating its stance, the NBA stressed that democracy cannot thrive where legal practitioners and courts act in ways that “negate or do violence” to established laws.
The body also criticised the granting of interim and interlocutory injunctions in political party disputes, noting that such orders are expressly prohibited under the Electoral Act.
“The integrity of our democratic process depends largely on strict adherence to the rule of law. Courts must resist any attempt to be drawn into partisan conflicts that are clearly outside their jurisdiction,” the NBA added.
The latest intervention by the association adds to its recent criticisms of judicial conduct, as it continues to call for restraint and professionalism within the bench and bar ahead of the 2027 elections.
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