By Adesakin Adefemi
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a stern warning against the growing trend of judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties, citing concerns that it could undermine the country’s democracy ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the NBA referenced Section 83 of the Electoral Act, 2026, which explicitly bars courts from handling suits related to party internal matters.
Despite this, the association noted that some lawyers continue to file lawsuits and courts issue injunctions in contravention of the law.
The NBA announced plans to request disciplinary action against lawyers who file such lawsuits and urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to sanction judges who take on cases they shouldn’t. “Lawyers need to be officers of the court, not creators of procedural tricks,” Osigwe emphasized.
The association also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to exercise its supervisory powers with fairness and independence, warning against being seen as involved in political games.
The NBA cautioned that if these practices are not checked, the court system could become a tool for settling political scores and manipulating elections, undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
