ADC Backs NBA Position on Court Jurisdiction Over Party Disputes
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed support for the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) stance that courts should not interfere in internal party matters, saying the position reinforces its argument in an ongoing leadership dispute.
In a statement on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the NBA’s warning against abuse of court processes validates its claim that legal actions challenging its leadership are defective.
“The NBA’s position is clear and unambiguous: courts have no jurisdiction over the internal affairs of political parties, and any attempt to secure interim or interlocutory orders in such matters is in direct violation of the Electoral Act.
“What we are witnessing is not a legitimate legal dispute. It is a coordinated effort to weaponize the judicial process for political ends — a strategy the NBA has rightly described as an abuse of court process,” the statement said.
The party’s reaction follows recent concerns raised by the NBA over rising attempts to drag courts into intra-party disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 limiting judicial intervention in such matters.
The NBA had warned in a separate statement that courts should avoid entertaining cases relating to internal party affairs, citing Section 83 of the Electoral Act, which restricts interim and interlocutory injunctions in such disputes.
The ADC urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral, saying it should not be seen to support what it described as unlawful judicial interference.
“INEC must remain a neutral arbiter, not a participant in political engineering,” the party said, adding that any court orders obtained in violation of the law are “defective and cannot stand.”
It further alleged that some political actors were using the courts to create confusion within its leadership structure despite clear legal provisions.
Commending the NBA for its position, the party said the association had acted courageously in defending the rule of law.
The ADC warned that continued disregard for legal provisions could weaken democratic institutions, insisting it would continue to pursue lawful means to protect its leadership and uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
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.
