NBA Warns Against Judicial Interference in Party Disputes, Seeks Sanctions for Erring Judges Ahead of 2027 Polls

ABUJA – The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised alarm over what it described as increasing judicial and legal interference in internal political party disputes, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Friday 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 of the Electoral Act 2026 relating to intra-party matters.

The NBA expressed concern over what it termed “disturbing involvement” of lawyers and courts in the internal affairs of political parties, despite statutory provisions it said restrict judicial intervention in such disputes.

Citing Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026, the association maintained that the law bars courts from entertaining matters relating to the internal affairs of political parties, including the issuance of interim or interlocutory injunctions in such cases.

It, however, lamented that some litigants and legal practitioners continue to file suits and obtain court orders on intra-party issues in ways it described as contrary to the spirit and letter of the law, warning that such actions amount to abuse of court process and encourage forum shopping.

“The emerging trend of subverting the clear provisions of the Electoral Act and dragging courts into internal party disputes through disingenuous litigation bodes no good for our democracy,” the NBA stated.

The association cautioned lawyers against using the judiciary to secure partisan advantage, reminding them that they are “ministers in the temple of justice” and not political agents. It warned that practitioners found guilty of deliberately initiating actions to secure judicial interference in party affairs risk disciplinary measures, including petitions to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.

The NBA also urged the judiciary to exercise restraint in political matters and avoid being drawn into disputes expressly barred by law, calling on judges to decline jurisdiction where appropriate and strictly adhere to statutory limits.

It further called on the National Judicial Council to sanction judicial officers who knowingly assume jurisdiction in prohibited matters or issue orders in violation of electoral laws.

“The NBA will not hesitate to draw the NJC’s attention to any judicial officer who acts contrary to the judicial oath and constitutional responsibility,” Osigwe stated.

The association also cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain strict neutrality in the electoral process and avoid actions capable of being interpreted as political engineering.

Referencing INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), the NBA urged the commission to ensure its regulatory powers are exercised independently and in line with democratic principles as the country approaches the 2027 elections.

Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, judicial integrity, and credible elections, the NBA said it would continue to monitor developments and deploy lawful mechanisms, including engagement, advisory interventions, and strategic litigation, to protect democratic institutions.

“Nigeria’s democracy must not be weakened by legal manipulation, institutional capture, or misuse of judicial authority,” the statement added.