2027: NBA cautions INEC, judiciary over rising political interference, seeks sanctions for erring judges

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised concerns over what it described as increasing judicial and legal interference in internal political party disputes, warning that the trend poses a threat to Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Friday by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), the NBA said it had been monitoring recent political and legal developments, particularly the interpretation and application of provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 relating to intra-party matters.

The association expressed concern over what it called “disturbing involvement” of lawyers and courts in the internal affairs of political parties, despite statutory provisions it said clearly restrict judicial intervention in such disputes.

Citing Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026, the NBA noted that the law bars courts from entertaining matters relating to the internal affairs of political parties, including the issuance of interim or interlocutory injunctions in such cases.

It, however, lamented that some litigants and legal practitioners were still filing suits on intra-party issues and obtaining court orders in ways it described as contrary to the spirit and letter of the law.

According to the association, such actions amount to abuse of court process and encourage forum shopping, warning that they could undermine democratic competition and distort the political space.

“The emerging trend of subverting the clear provisions of the Electoral Act and dragging courts into internal party disputes through disingenuous litigation bodes no good for our democracy,” the statement said.

The NBA cautioned legal practitioners against what it described as attempts to use the judiciary to secure partisan advantage, reminding lawyers that they are “ministers in the temple of justice” and not political agents.

It warned that lawyers found to be deliberately filing actions to obtain judicial interference in intra-party matters risk disciplinary action, including petitions to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).

The association also called on the judiciary to exercise restraint and avoid being drawn into disputes it said are expressly barred by law, urging judges to decline jurisdiction where appropriate and adhere strictly to statutory limits.

It further urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to sanction judicial officers who knowingly assume jurisdiction in matters prohibited by law or grant orders in violation of electoral provisions.

“The NBA will not hesitate to draw the NJC’s attention to any judicial officer who acts contrary to the judicial oath and constitutional responsibility,” Osigwe stated.

The association also cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging it to maintain strict neutrality in the electoral process and avoid any actions that could be interpreted as political engineering.

Osigwe, while referencing INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), said the commission must ensure its regulatory powers are exercised independently and in line with democratic principles, especially as the country approaches the 2027 elections.

He stressed that the NBA would continue to monitor developments closely and deploy lawful mechanisms, including engagement, advisory interventions and strategic litigation, to protect the integrity of the justice system and electoral process.

“Nigeria’s democracy must not be weakened by legal manipulation, institutional capture, or misuse of judicial authority,” the statement added.

The NBA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rule of law, maintaining judicial integrity, and ensuring that electoral institutions remain neutral arbiters in the democratic process.