The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a strong and cautionary statement, raising alarm over what it describes as growing abuse of judicial processes in political party matters, as Nigeria gradually approaches the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, the NBA stressed that Nigeria’s laws and democratic institutions must be protected at all times, warning that recent legal and political developments threaten the rule of law and constitutional order.
At the heart of the NBA’s concern is the alleged involvement of lawyers and courts in the internal affairs of political parties—an area explicitly restricted by the Electoral Act 2026. The association cited Section 83 of the Act, which clearly provides that no court in Nigeria has jurisdiction over disputes relating to the internal workings of political parties.
According to the NBA, despite this clear legal provision, there has been a disturbing trend where legal practitioners continue to file cases seeking judicial intervention in intra-party disputes. Even more troubling, the association noted, is the reported granting of interim and interlocutory injunctions by courts in direct contradiction of the law.
“This emerging trend of disingenuous litigation, forum shopping, and abuse of court processes poses a serious threat to our democracy,” the statement read. “The judiciary must not become a tool for political manipulation or a battleground for partisan interests.”
The NBA reminded its members that lawyers are “Ministers in the Temple of Justice” and must uphold the highest standards of professional responsibility. It warned that any legal practitioner found deliberately filing cases to circumvent the law or secure political advantage would face disciplinary action, including possible referral to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
In addition, the association called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to establish strict regulations to sanction judges who assume jurisdiction in matters clearly barred by law or grant orders that undermine statutory provisions.
The NBA also turned its attention to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging the electoral body to exercise its supervisory powers with neutrality, independence, and strict adherence to democratic principles. It emphasized that INEC must not be perceived as an instrument of political engineering or manipulation.
Highlighting the critical role of institutions in sustaining democracy, the NBA reiterated its commitment to deploy all lawful mechanisms—including advisory opinions, strategic litigation, and disciplinary processes—to ensure that the legal system is not weaponized for political gain.
As Nigeria inches closer to another electoral cycle, the association’s message is clear: the courts must remain arbiters of justice, lawyers must uphold ethical standards, and democratic institutions must operate within the bounds of the law.
In the words of the NBA, Nigeria’s democracy must not be weakened by legal maneuvering or institutional compromise—but strengthened through integrity, accountability, and unwavering respect for the rule of law.
