2027: NBA Decries ‘Judicial Interference’ in Party Affairs
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed concern over what it described as increasing judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties, warning that the trend could undermine 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 the interpretation and application of provisions in the Electoral Act 2026.
The NBA pointed to Section 83 of the Act, which it said bars courts from entertaining matters relating to the internal affairs of political parties, and also restricts the granting of interim or interlocutory injunctions in such cases.
Despite these provisions, the association expressed concern that some legal practitioners continue to initiate suits over intra-party disputes, while courts allegedly issue orders in breach of the law.
It warned that 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 read.
The NBA said it would not hesitate to initiate disciplinary action against lawyers found culpable, including filing petitions before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
It also urged the judiciary to exercise restraint and avoid being drawn into political disputes expressly barred by law, stressing the need for strict adherence to statutory provisions.
On the role of the electoral body, the association called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain neutrality and avoid actions that could weaken political pluralism or erode public confidence in the electoral process.
It added that the INEC chairman, as a legal practitioner, is expected to uphold constitutional principles and ensure that the commission’s actions strengthen democratic governance.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
