The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised fresh concerns over what it described as growing judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties, warning that such actions could undermine Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Friday, April 10, and signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, the association said it had been monitoring recent political and legal developments linked to the interpretation of the Electoral Act 2026.
The NBA stressed that Section 83 of the Act clearly bars courts from entertaining matters relating to the internal affairs of political parties. It added that the law also prohibits courts from granting interim or interlocutory injunctions in such cases.
The association, however, expressed concern that lawyers continue to file such cases, while courts reportedly grant orders in violation of the law. It described the trend as dangerous to democratic stability.
According to the statement, “No court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party.”
The NBA further noted, “Where such an action is brought in negation of this provision, no interim or interlocutory injunction shall be entertained by the Court, but the Court shall suspend its ruling and deliver it at the stage of final judgment and shall give accelerated hearing to the matter”.
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It warned that the misuse of legal processes through forum shopping and politically motivated litigation could turn the judiciary into a tool for political manipulation.
The association also cautioned lawyers against filing cases aimed at drawing courts into intra-party disputes, describing such actions as professional misconduct.
It warned that offenders risk being reported to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.
The NBA urged the judiciary to remain cautious and resist political pressure, while calling on the National Judicial Council to sanction judges who violate statutory provisions.
It also advised the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain neutrality and uphold democratic principles in the discharge of its duties.