The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a strongly worded statement expressing deep concern over recent political and legal developmen...
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a strongly worded statement expressing deep concern over recent political and legal developments that it says threaten Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law as the nation prepares for the 2027 General Elections.
In a press release dated April 10, 2026, signed by Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, the NBA stated that it has closely monitored events arising from the interpretation and potential application of provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. The Bar particularly decried what it described as the disturbing involvement of lawyers and courts in the internal affairs of political parties, in clear violation of Section 83 of the Electoral Act.
The statement quoted the relevant section of the law, which explicitly states: “No court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party.” It further noted that the Act prohibits courts from granting interim or interlocutory injunctions in such matters, even when actions are brought in violation of the provision. Instead, any such action must be heard only at the stage of final judgment with accelerated hearing.
The NBA expressed alarm that some courts have reportedly been granting interim and interlocutory injunctions in clear violation of these statutory provisions. “This does not augur well for our democracy,” the statement read. “Democracy will not thrive in a situation where lawyers and courts take actions and decisions that not only negate our laws but also do violence to them.”
The Bar warned that the emerging trend of using litigation, forum shopping, and “mala fide applications” to interfere in party internal matters risks turning the judiciary into an avenue for political score-settling and electoral manipulation. It stressed that such practices, if not immediately curbed, would undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The statement also addressed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that its Chairman, described as a distinguished Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is well-positioned to ensure the Commission upholds constitutional democracy, fairness, and strict adherence to democratic norms.
“The Bar is closely watching the conduct of the Commission and expects that its regulatory role will strengthen, not diminish, confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process,” the release added.
The NBA vowed to deploy all lawful mechanisms—including engagement, advisory opinions, strategic litigation, and disciplinary processes—to prevent the weaponization of the legal process. It reminded lawyers that they must remain “officers of the court, not architects of procedural manipulation.”
The statement concluded with a firm call for the protection of Nigeria’s laws and democracy at all times. “Nigerian democracy must not be weakened by legal maneuvering, institutional capture, or the misuse of judicial authority. The courts must remain arbiters of justice, not instruments of political advantage. Electoral institutions must remain neutral umpires, not participants in political contests.”
This intervention by the NBA comes at a critical time as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 polls, with several parties already experiencing internal leadership tussles that have found their way into the courts.
Analysts say the NBA’s position reinforces the need for strict adherence to the Electoral Act and serves as a reminder to all stakeholders—political parties, lawyers, and the judiciary—to uphold the rule of law to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic journey.
No comments