By Clement Abayomi
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on April 10, 2026, in Abuja, has warned courts and lawyers to stop getting involved in the internal affairs of political parties.
They insisted that such actions go against the Electoral Act 2026 and could harm Nigeria’s democracy.
This was revealed in a statement signed by the NBA President and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mazi Osigwe.
The association said it has been watching recent political and legal events as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections.
It also said that some actions by lawyers and courts raise serious concerns about respect for the law and due process.
The NBA referenced Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026, which it said clearly bars courts from handling cases related to the internal matters of political parties.
It stressed that courts are not allowed to hear such cases or give interim orders in them.
“No court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party,” the NBA said.
It maintained that courts should not grant interim or temporary orders in such cases, even if a suit is filed.
The NBA also said it has seen cases where lawyers still file such suits and courts still give orders.
It warned that this practice could damage public trust in the justice system, noting that such actions may also allow political actors to use the courts to gain unfair advantage.
The NBA emphasised using the courts for political gain may turn the legal system into a tool for settling political scores, weakening democracy.
The association further warned that if this continues, it could affect free and fair political competition, reminding lawyers of their duty to uphold justice.
The NBA said it will take action against any lawyer who breaks these rules, noting that such lawyers may face disciplinary action before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
“We will not hesitate to present petitions before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committe (LPDC) against any Legal Practioner found to be engaging in such conduct,” the NBA said.
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The association also called on judges to be careful, urging courts to refuse cases that the law clearly does not allow. It said judges must follow the law and avoid being drawn into political matters.
The NBA further called on the National Judicial Council to make rules that will punish judges who ignore these limits.
It said any judge who takes such cases or gives orders in them should be held accountable.
Also, the NBA addressed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by urging them to act with fairness, independence, and neutrality.
The NBA said INEC must not be seen as taking sides in political matters.
“The Commission must not, under circumstances, be perceived as a participant in political engineering or as an institution whose regulatory authority is deployed in a manner that weakens political pluralism.”
The NBA explained that it will continue to monitor the situation and use legal and disciplinary steps to protect the justice system, stressing that Nigeria’s democracy must not be “weakened by legal maneuvering”.
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