The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has told lawyers not to file lawsuits that would bring the courts into political party disagreements. They have also said that they will punish lawyers who do so.
In a statement released today, the association said it was worried about what it called a rising tendency of lawyers and courts getting involved in party politics, even though the law clearly says they can’t.
It said, “No court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party,” citing section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026. This made it clear that courts do not have the power to deal with issues related to the internal workings of political parties.
It went on to say that courts can’t issue interim or interlocutory orders in these kinds of cases either.
The statement continued, “Not only are courts not allowed to hear any case involving the internal affairs of a political party, but they are also not allowed to issue any interim or interlocutory injunction, even if an action has been brought in violation of the Act.”
The group says that these kinds of lawsuits keep happening, which is a misuse of the judicial system and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
The NBA said that “filing actions meant to involve courts in internal political party disputes” is a “violation of professional responsibility.” It also said that lawyers who are found to be at fault would face disciplinary action from the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.
The NBA reminded Bar members of their ethical duties, saying that attorneys should not engage as political agents trying to get judges to support their own interests.
It condemned what it called “disingenuous litigation, forum shopping, and malafide applications” that were meant to provide one party an unfair political advantage. It said that these kinds of actions weaken the rule of law and make people less trustful of the courts.
The group said it was ready to use disciplinary measures against any lawyer who breaks the law, saying that the integrity of the court system must always be protected.
The NBA also asked the National Judicial Council (NJC) to take strong action against judges who embark on cases that the law clearly says they can’t.
It encouraged the council to set stringent rules to punish judges who issue orders in disputes between parties in violation of the law, saying that these actions might make the courts into vehicles for political maneuvering.
The group also promised to report any judge who was found to have acted in a way that was not consistent with their constitutional duties or the judicial oath.
The NBA also told the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be neutral and independent as it uses its supervisory powers as the 2027 general elections get closer.
It told the INEC Chairman to make sure that the commission’s actions are in line with democratic values and don’t look like they’re becoming involved in politics.
“The Commission must not, under any circumstances, be seen as a participant in political engineering,” the statement said. It also said that the Commission’s function should boost public trust in the election process.
Osigwe said that the group would use all legal means, including disciplinary actions, to stop the legal system from being used for political ends.
He highlighted that Nigeria’s democracy must not be affected by the law, and that courts must remain impartial judges of justice and electoral institutions must act as neutral referees.
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