NBA warns against Electoral Act violations, condemns court interference in party affairs and threatens disciplinary action for lawyers.
OUR LAWS AND DEMOCRACY MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL TIMES
The Nigerian Bar Association has closely monitored recent political and legal developments as the nation gradually approaches the 2027 General Elections. These developments, particularly those arising from the interpretation… pic.twitter.com/PqvCVIj0qK— Nigerian Bar Association (@NigBarAssoc) April 10, 2026
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised serious concerns over increasing misuse of courts and legal procedures in internal political party disputes, warning that such actions threaten Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections. The association also cautioned lawyers and judicial officers against actions that contradict the Electoral Act 2026, while signalling possible disciplinary measures.
The warning was issued on Friday, April 10, 2026, through a statement posted on X, where the NBA addressed developments involving lawyers, courts, and electoral stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary. The association said recent interpretations and applications of the Electoral Act 2026 had raised constitutional and democratic concerns, particularly around court involvement in intra-party matters.
In the statement titled “OUR LAWS AND DEMOCRACY MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL TIMES,” the NBA stressed that Section 83 of the Electoral Act clearly removes jurisdiction from courts over internal political party disputes, warning against what it described as growing violations of the law.
“The Nigerian Bar Association has closely monitored recent political and legal developments as the nation gradually approaches the 2027 General Elections. These developments, particularly those arising from the interpretation and potential application of provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, raise serious constitutional, democratic, and rule-of-law concerns that require immediate intervention.”
The association further condemned what it described as increasing disregard for statutory provisions, insisting that courts are not permitted to grant interim or interlocutory injunctions in such matters.
“We particularly deprecate the disturbing involvement by lawyers and courts in the internal affairs of political parties despite the clear provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, which stipulates in Section 83 of the Act that ‘No court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party.’”
It also warned that such legal actions undermine democracy and amount to abuse of court processes.
“What we now see are situations where actions are not only instituted in Courts by lawyers in clear violation of the Act, but Courts purportedly grant interim and/or interlocutory injunctions in clear contempt of statutory provisions of the law. This does not augur well for our democracy.”
The NBA stressed that the provisions of the Electoral Act were designed to prevent forum shopping and manipulation of judicial processes for political gain.
“We must reiterate that these provisions were clearly designed to curb abuse of court processes and discourage forum shopping in political disputes.”
The association also reminded legal practitioners of their professional responsibility, warning against politically motivated litigation.
“Members of the Bar are reminded that they are Ministers in the Temple of Justice and not political agents seeking judicial endorsement of partisan objectives.”
It further warned that lawyers engaging in such conduct risk disciplinary action before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
The NBA also called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to sanction judges who assume jurisdiction in matters barred by law or grant unlawful orders in intra-party disputes.
“We call on the National Judicial Council to make regulations that will sanction any judge who knowingly assumes jurisdiction in matters clearly barred by law… The NBA will not hesitate to activate its constitutional responsibility to protect the integrity of the justice system.”
On electoral administration, the association urged INEC to remain neutral and uphold democratic principles, stressing that its actions must not weaken political competition or public confidence.
The NBA added that it would continue to use lawful mechanisms, including litigation and disciplinary action, to prevent abuse of judicial processes and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
“The electoral institutions must operate within the bounds of constitutional democracy.”
The statement was signed by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN).