The Nigerian Bar Association has threatened to sanction lawyers who file court cases seeking judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement titled “Our Laws And Democracy Must Be Protected At All Times,” signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN), the association expressed concern over increasing attempts by legal practitioners to draw courts into intra-party affairs, despite clear provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
The NBA specifically referenced Section 83 of the Electoral Act, which bars courts from entertaining cases relating to the internal affairs of political parties and prohibits the granting of interim or interlocutory injunctions in such matters.
The association said some lawyers continue to file suits on intra-party disputes while courts allegedly grant orders in violation of the law, warning that such actions undermine the rule of law and risk turning the judiciary into a tool for political manipulation and “electoral advantage.”
The NBA stated that filing actions intended to draw courts into internal political party disputes, particularly where jurisdiction is expressly excluded constitutes an abuse of court process and a violation of professional responsibility.
The NBA warned it would take disciplinary action against legal practitioners found to be engaging in such conduct, including filing petitions before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
Beyond lawyers, the association also turned its attention to the bench. The NBA called on the National Judicial Council to sanction judges who knowingly grant orders in intra-party disputes, urging the judiciary to “stay vigilant and resist being drawn into political theatrics.”
The NBA further appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain neutrality and avoid actions perceived as political interference, stressing that both the judiciary and electoral institutions must operate within constitutional bounds to protect Nigeria’s democratic process.
