Judges Under Political Pressure – Lawyers

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

The NBA attributed this problem to the judiciary’s growing financial dependence on the Executive, stating that, “It is high time the Judiciary was 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 noted that the judiciary lacks fiscal autonomy, with up to 60 to 70 per cent of its budget being withheld by 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, which had the theme “Nigeria: Quest for a Utilitarian Judiciary and Role for Stakeholders,” NBA Akure also called for limited judicial intervention in election disputes to avoid court congestion.

They suggested that the Executive and Legislature should primarily handle matters related to electoral integrity. 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 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 per cent of its budget, causing severe operational shortfalls and compelling the Head of the Judiciary to seek funds from the Executive constantly. 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, emphasising 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. The Legislature should enact more explicit and less ambiguous laws 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.”