NBA Warns Courts, Lawyers To Steer Clear Of Party Disputes

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has warned lawyers and the judiciary against вмешательство in the internal affairs of political parties, cautioning that such actions could undermine Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement on Friday, NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) said the association was concerned about a growing trend of litigation aimed at dragging courts into intra-party disputes, despite clear restrictions in the Electoral Act 2022.

Citing Section 83 of the Act, the NBA stressed that courts lack jurisdiction over internal party matters and are barred from granting interim or interlocutory injunctions in such cases.

Despite this, the association noted that courts continue to entertain such suits and, in some instances, issue orders affecting party leadership and internal governance.

The NBA also accused some lawyers of forum shopping and filing mala fide applications to secure favourable rulings, warning that the practice risks turning the courts into tools of political manipulation.

It reminded legal practitioners of their ethical obligations, stressing that filing such cases amounts to an abuse of court process and could attract disciplinary action, including petitions to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.

The association further urged courts to decline jurisdiction in politically motivated cases and called on the National Judicial Council to sanction judicial officers who violate statutory limits.

It also advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and avoid actions that could be perceived as political interference.

The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the legal system and ensuring that judicial processes are not misused for partisan advantage.