The Nigerian Bar Association has raised concerns over what it described as the increasing involvement of courts in internal crises rocking political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the association cautioned that such judicial interventions could undermine democratic processes and erode public confidence in the rule of law.
The NBA noted that despite clear provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, judges and legal practitioners have continued to interfere in intra-party disputes, often through the granting of interim and interlocutory injunctions.
It stressed that Section 83 of the Act expressly bars courts from assuming jurisdiction over matters relating to the internal affairs of political parties, including the issuance of interim orders in such cases.
The body warned that the growing trend of judicial involvement in party disputes could distort democratic competition and turn courts into arenas for political contestation.
According to the association, recent developments arising from the interpretation and application of the Electoral Act have raised serious constitutional and rule-of-law concerns requiring urgent attention.
The NBA also criticised what it described as the misuse of legal processes by some lawyers who file suits aimed at drawing courts into political disputes in violation of statutory provisions.
It warned that such actions amount to an abuse of court processes and could weaken Nigeria’s democratic framework if not addressed.
The association vowed to take disciplinary action against any legal practitioner found to be deliberately instituting cases to procure judicial interference in party affairs.
It added that offenders could be reported to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for appropriate sanctions.
Furthermore, the NBA urged the judiciary to exercise restraint and avoid being drawn into political matters clearly prohibited by law.
It called on the National Judicial Council to sanction judges who knowingly assume jurisdiction in cases barred by statute or grant orders that aid partisan political interests.
The body emphasised that courts must remain impartial arbiters of justice and not instruments for political manoeuvring.
The NBA also cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain strict neutrality in the discharge of its duties.
It urged the electoral umpire to exercise its supervisory powers with independence and fairness, warning against any action that could portray it as partisan or undermine political pluralism.
The association expressed confidence that the commission, under its current leadership, would uphold democratic values and operate within the confines of the law.
The NBA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the legal system, stressing that lawyers must uphold professional ethics and refrain from actions capable of compromising the judiciary or Nigeria’s democratic process.
