2027: NBA raises alarm over ‘judicial interference’ in party affairs

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has raised concerns over what it described as growing judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties, warning that the trend poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the association said it had been monitoring recent political and legal developments, particularly those linked to the interpretation and application of provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

The NBA cited Section 83 of the Act which bars courts from entertaining cases relating to the internal affairs of political parties, stressing that the law also prohibits courts from granting interim or interlocutory injunctions in such matters.

It expressed concern that despite these provisions, some lawyers continue to file suits on intra-party disputes, while courts allegedly grant orders in violation of the law.

According to the association, such actions undermine the rule of law and risk turning the judiciary into a tool for political manipulation and “electoral 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 NBA warned that 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.

It also called on the judiciary to exercise restraint and resist being drawn into political disputes clearly barred by law, urging judges to adhere strictly to statutory provisions.

On the electoral body, the NBA tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to remain neutral and avoid actions that could undermine political pluralism or public confidence in the electoral process.

It noted that the INEC chairman, as a legal expert, is expected to uphold constitutional principles and ensure that the commission’s conduct strengthens democratic norms.