Why Judges Are Exposed To Political Pressure — NBA

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure branch, Ondo State, has raised serious concerns over the increasing political pressure faced by judges in the country.

The NBA attributed the problem to the judiciary’s growing financial dependence on the Executive arm of government, stating that, “It is high time the Judiciary is severed from the apron strings of the Executive.”

In a communique issued at the end of their 2025 Law Week in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Sunday, the NBA branch noted that the judiciary lacked fiscal autonomy, with up to 60 to 70 per cent of its budget being at the mercy of the Executive.

According to the NBA, “This chronic underfunding creates severe operational challenges and forces judicial authorities to repeatedly seek financial support from the Executive, undermining judicial independence and exposing judges to undue political influence.”

At the conclusion of Law Week celebration, which had the theme “Nigeria: Quest for a Utilitarian Judiciary and Role for Stakeholders,” the NBA branch also called for limited judicial intervention in election disputes to avoid court congestion.

They suggested that matters related to electoral integrity should primarily be handled by the Executive and Legislature. The NBA also called for clearer election laws to close legal loopholes exploited by politicians, with disputes resolved before candidates are sworn into office.

In the communique, the Akure NBA stated: “Regarding Judiciary Autonomy, the NBA Akure Branch reiterates that the Judiciary is severely compromised by its financial dependence on the Executive, which undermines its ability to function impartially and effectively.

“The Judiciary lacks fiscal autonomy, with the Executive withholding up to 60–70 percent of its budget, causing serious operational shortfalls and compelling the Head of the Judiciary to constantly seek funds from the Executive. This weakens independence and exposes judges to political pressure.

“The NBA Akure Branch calls for the full implementation of Section 121(3)(c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The Judiciary must be allowed to control its finances, amenities, and infrastructure without interference from the Executive.

“The NBA Akure Branch has resolved to set up an Ad-Hoc Committee to interface with both the Judiciary and the Executive to ensure full implementation of judiciary autonomy in line with the Constitution. The Branch also calls for the full enforcement of the Correctional Service Act, 2019, with all stakeholders making conscious efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate ex-inmates into society.

“The NBA Akure Branch advocates for limited judicial intervention in elections, emphasizing Executive and Legislative responsibility for electoral integrity without compromising justice. The Judiciary should not be overburdened with election matters at the expense of other regular cases, to reduce court congestion.

“It is suggested that election disputes be resolved before candidates are sworn into office. Clearer and less ambiguous laws should be enacted by the Legislature to address practical challenges and reduce loopholes exploited by politicians.

“To achieve a utilitarian Judiciary that delivers the greatest good to the greatest number, there must be active collaboration among all stakeholders: the Judiciary, the Legislature, the Executive, civil society, the citizenry, and most importantly, the Bar.”