The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised concerns over increasing judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties, warning it could threaten Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement by its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, the association referenced Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026, which bars courts from handling intra-party disputes or granting injunctions on such matters.
Despite this, the NBA noted that some lawyers still file cases on party issues, with courts allegedly granting orders contrary to the law.
“This emerging trend of subverting the clear letters of the Electoral Act and dragging courts into the internal affairs of political parties… bodes no good for our democracy,” the statement said.
The NBA warned it may sanction erring lawyers through the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) and urged the judiciary to avoid involvement in politically motivated cases.
It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and uphold public confidence in the electoral process.