The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has warned against what it described as increasing judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties, saying the trend could undermine Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued by its president, Afam Osigwe, the association said it has been closely tracking recent political and legal developments, particularly those involving the interpretation of the Electoral Act 2026.
The NBA referenced Section 83 of the Act, which restricts courts from handling matters related to intra-party disputes and bars the issuance of interim or interlocutory orders in such cases.
Despite this, the body expressed concern that some lawyers continue to file suits on party matters, with courts allegedly granting orders contrary to the law.
It warned that such practices risk weakening the rule of law and turning the judiciary into a tool for political advantage.
“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 malafide applications designed to secure undemocratic political advantage, bodes no good for our democracy,” the statement said.
The association said it would not hesitate to sanction erring lawyers, including referring cases to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
It also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and uphold public trust in the electoral process.
