As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a stern warning to legal practitioners, judicial officers, and the electoral umpire over what it describes as growing interference in the internal affairs of political parties.

The Association cautioned that Nigeria’s democracy risks serious erosion if lawyers and courts continue to take actions that undermine statutory provisions and constitutional principles.

This warning comes amid controversy surrounding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly its decision to delist the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from its official portal. The move triggered protests led by a faction of the party under David Mark, who also called for the resignation of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan.

INEC, however, maintained that its action was in compliance with a Court of Appeal ruling directing parties to maintain status quo ante bellum.

Beyond the ADC crisis, leadership disputes continue to plague the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where conflicting factions await a Supreme Court determination on the party’s authentic leadership following parallel conventions held in Ibadan and Abuja.

NBA Raises Alarm Over Judicial Overreach

Expressing deep concern, the NBA decried what it termed the increasing and unlawful involvement of courts in intra-party disputes—matters it insists are expressly excluded from judicial jurisdiction under the Electoral Act 2026.

NBA President, Afam Osigwe, emphasized that:

“Democracy cannot thrive where legal practitioners and courts engage in actions that not only negate the law but actively undermine it.”

He cited Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026, which clearly bars courts from entertaining suits relating to the internal affairs of political parties, including the granting of interim or interlocutory injunctions in such cases.

According to Osigwe, the current trend—where lawyers file such suits and courts entertain them—constitutes a dangerous precedent that threatens the rule of law.

Warning to INEC and Legal Practitioners

The NBA called on INEC to exercise its expanded supervisory powers with strict neutrality and independence, warning against any perception of political bias or regulatory overreach.

Osigwe noted that as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and legal scholar, the INEC Chairman is well-positioned to uphold constitutional values and democratic integrity.

He added:

“The Bar is closely watching the conduct of the Commission and expects that its actions will strengthen—not diminish—public confidence in the democratic process.”

Disciplinary Measures Loom

The Association also issued a strong warning to lawyers, reminding them of their ethical duty as ministers in the temple of justice—not political actors seeking judicial validation for partisan agendas.

It stressed that filing cases intended to draw courts into intra-party disputes amounts to abuse of court process and professional misconduct.

The NBA pledged to take decisive action, including petitions to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee against offending lawyers.

Call for Judicial Accountability

In addition, the NBA urged the National Judicial Council to sanction judges who assume jurisdiction in matters clearly barred by law or issue orders that enable political manipulation.

Osigwe reaffirmed the Association’s readiness to act:

“We will not hesitate to draw the NJC’s attention to any judicial officer whose conduct undermines the integrity of the courts or violates constitutional responsibilities.”

Bottom Line

The NBA’s intervention signals rising institutional tension as Nigeria approaches 2027, with the legal community positioning itself as a watchdog against judicial overreach, political interference, and regulatory bias.

Its message is clear: respect the law, or face consequences.