NBA Vows Sanctions for Lawyers Embroiling Judiciary in Political Party Disputes

ABUJA – The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a stern warning to legal practitioners, vowing to initiate disciplinary action against those who file "disingenuous" lawsuits aimed at dragging the judiciary into the internal affairs of political parties.

The intervention follows the escalating leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a perceived rise in "forum shopping" as the country prepares for the 2027 General Elections.

Statutory Bar on Judicial Interference

In a statement addressing the trend, the NBA highlighted that the Electoral Act 2026 explicitly strips courts of the jurisdiction to intervene in intra-party matters. The association specifically cited Section 83 of the Act, which mandates:

“No court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party.”

The NBA further clarified that this statutory restriction extends to the issuance of interim or interlocutory injunctions, noting that some courts continue to grant such orders in "clear contempt" of the law.

Preserving the Rule of Law

The association expressed deep concern that the current wave of litigation undermines democratic stability and the sanctity of the judicial process. Key concerns raised include:

• Abuse of Court Process: Lawyers filing suits where jurisdiction is expressly excluded.

• Political manoeuvring: Attempts to secure undemocratic advantages through "malafide" applications.

• Professional Conduct: The NBA reminded members that they are "Ministers in the Temple of Justice," not partisan agents.

Disciplinary Consequences

To deter further violations, the NBA confirmed it is ready to petition the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) against erring lawyers.

“The filing of actions intended to draw courts into internal political party disputes constitutes a violation of professional responsibility,” the statement read. “The NBA will not hesitate to present petitions against any practitioner found engaging in such conduct to serve as a deterrent.”

A Call to Judicial Vigilance

Concluding the address, the NBA urged the bench to remain resilient against political pressure, stating that the judiciary must stay vigilant and "resist being drawn into political theatrics" to preserve the rule of law ahead of the 2027 polls.