The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a strong warning to legal practitioners, vowing disciplinary action against lawyers who file cases aimed at involving the judiciary in internal disputes within political parties.
In a statement released amid ongoing factional and leadership tensions in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the association expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of courts and lawyers becoming entangled in intra-party conflicts, contrary to existing legal provisions.
“The Nigerian Bar Association has closely monitored recent political and legal developments as the nation gradually approaches the 2027 General Elections,” the statement read.
The NBA noted that the interpretation and potential application of provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 have raised significant constitutional and rule-of-law concerns requiring urgent attention.
Citing Section 83 of the Act, the association stressed that courts are expressly barred from entertaining matters relating to the internal affairs of political parties.
“No court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party,” the statement said.
It further explained that courts are equally restricted from granting interim or interlocutory orders in such cases, even where such actions are brought before them.
The NBA criticised what it described as persistent violations of these provisions, noting that some lawyers continue to institute such cases while courts grant injunctions in clear disregard of the law.
“This does not augur well for our democracy,” the association stated, warning that the trend could undermine democratic processes and erode public confidence in the judiciary.
According to the NBA, the increasing use of litigation to secure political advantage through forum shopping and what it termed “malafide applications” poses a serious threat to democratic governance.
Reaffirming the ethical responsibilities of legal practitioners, the association reminded members of the Bar of their role as custodians of justice, not political actors.
“Members of the Bar are reminded that they are Ministers in the Temple of Justice and not political agents seeking judicial endorsement of partisan objectives,” it said.
The NBA also warned that any lawyer found deliberately filing such actions risks facing disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
“The filing of actions intended to draw courts into internal political party disputes, particularly where jurisdiction is expressly excluded, constitutes an abuse of court process and a violation of professional responsibility,” the statement added.
The association emphasised that it would not hesitate to initiate petitions against erring practitioners, noting that such measures are necessary to preserve the sanctity of the judicial process and serve as a deterrent.
It also urged the judiciary to remain vigilant and resist being drawn into what it described as political manoeuvring, warning that the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system depends on strict adherence to the rule of law.
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