The Nigerian Bar Association has cautioned courts and legal practitioners to desist from meddling in the internal affairs of political parties, warning that such actions contravene provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
The association expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of judicial involvement in intra-party disputes, particularly through the issuance of interim and interlocutory injunctions, as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Friday by its President, Afam Osigwe, the NBA stressed that Section 83 of the Electoral Act clearly bars courts from assuming jurisdiction over matters relating to the internal workings of political parties.
It noted that the law also prohibits courts from granting interim orders in such cases, even when suits are filed.The body decried what it termed blatant disregard for the law, alleging that some lawyers deliberately institute cases to secure judicial interference, while courts, in turn, grant orders in violation of statutory provisions.
According to the NBA, such practices pose a serious threat to democracy and the rule of law, warning that the continued abuse of judicial processes could turn the courts into tools for political manipulation.
The association vowed to take disciplinary action against any lawyer found culpable, including petitioning the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.
It also urged the National Judicial Council to sanction judges who entertain or issue orders on matters expressly barred by law.Furthermore, the NBA called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to exercise its regulatory powers with neutrality and independence, stressing that the commission must not be perceived as influencing political processes.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the integrity of the legal system, the association said it would deploy all lawful measures to curb the misuse of courts for partisan advantage, insisting that the judiciary must remain impartial and uphold democratic principles.
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