The Nigerian Bar Association has raised alarm over what it described as growing interference by legal practitioners, the judiciary, and electoral authorities in the internal affairs of political parties, warning that such actions could weaken Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued by its President, Maxi Afam Osigwe, the association expressed concern over recent developments surrounding the interpretation and application of the Electoral Act 2026.
Osigwe warned that the NBA would not hesitate to discipline lawyers found to be exploiting the legal process to influence intra-party disputes.
He stressed that practitioners who deliberately file suits to secure judicial interference or obtain ex-parte and interlocutory orders in violation of statutory provisions risk facing sanctions.
According to him, such cases would be referred to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee to serve as a deterrent and uphold the integrity of the legal profession.
He emphasized that lawyers must remain officers of the court and not engage in procedural manipulation capable of undermining democratic institutions.
The NBA also called on the judiciary to exercise restraint, urging judges to avoid being drawn into politically motivated disputes and to strictly operate within the limits of the law.
Osigwe further appealed to the National Judicial Council to establish stricter measures to sanction judicial officers who assume jurisdiction in matters expressly barred by law or grant orders that contravene statutory provisions.
He maintained that the association would not hesitate to report any erring judicial officer to the NJC for appropriate action, in line with the judicial oath.
On the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the NBA urged the electoral body to maintain neutrality and independence in the discharge of its responsibilities.
Osigwe cautioned that the commission must avoid any action that could be perceived as political interference or an attempt to influence party structures, noting that such perceptions could erode public confidence in the electoral system.
The NBA particularly faulted what it described as the increasing involvement of lawyers and courts in intra-party conflicts, despite clear provisions in Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026 prohibiting judicial intervention in such matters.
Quoting the law, Osigwe reiterated that courts lack jurisdiction over disputes relating to the internal affairs of political parties and are also barred from granting interim or interlocutory injunctions in such cases.
He warned that continued disregard for these provisions by both lawyers and judges amounts to a direct violation of the law and poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
Osigwe concluded by stressing that the nation’s legal and electoral systems must be protected from what he described as disingenuous litigation and judicial overreach, insisting that safeguarding democratic integrity remains a collective responsibility.
