NThe Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed serious concern over what it describes as increasing judicial involvement in the internal affairs of political parties, warning that the trend could pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on X by its president, Mazi Afam Osigwe, the association said it has been closely monitoring recent political and legal disputes, especially those tied to interpretations of the Electoral Act 2026.
The NBA pointed to Section 83 of the Act, which restricts courts from intervening in internal party matters and also limits the use of interim or interlocutory injunctions in such cases.
Despite those provisions, the association said it is worried that some legal practitioners continue to file suits over intra-party disputes, while some courts still issue orders that appear to contradict the law.
According to the NBA, this growing pattern risks undermining the rule of law and turning the judiciary into a tool for political advantage rather than justice.
“This trend of dragging courts into internal party affairs through strategic litigation and forum shopping does not bode well for our democracy,” the statement warned.
The association also said it will not hesitate to discipline lawyers found engaging in such practices, including referring cases to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
It further called on judges to exercise restraint and avoid being drawn into matters that the law clearly places outside judicial jurisdiction.
The NBA also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and ensure its actions do not weaken public trust in the electoral process ahead of 2027.
It added that leadership of the electoral body is expected to uphold constitutional principles and strengthen democratic governance in the country.
