Nigerian Bar Association Warns Against Judicial Interference in Politics
Analysis based on 21 articles · First reported Apr 10, 2026 · Last updated Apr 10, 2026
The growing judicial interference in political party affairs in Nigeria creates uncertainty and risks undermining democratic stability, which could negatively impact investor confidence in the long term. The Nigerian Bar Association's intervention aims to restore rule of law, potentially stabilizing the political landscape.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), led by its President Afam Osigwe, has issued a strong warning against increasing judicial interference in the internal affairs of political parties in Nigeria. Citing Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026, the NBA highlighted that courts are barred from entertaining such matters or granting interim injunctions. The association expressed concern that some lawyers continue to file 'disingenuous litigation' and 'forum shopping,' while some courts allegedly grant orders in violation of the law. The NBA warned that such actions undermine the rule of law, risk turning the judiciary into a tool for political manipulation, and pose a threat to Nigeria's democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections. It vowed to take disciplinary action against erring legal practitioners through the Nigeria===Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee and urged the judiciary, including the Nigeria===National Judicial Council, to exercise restraint. Additionally, the NBA called on the Nigeria===Independent National Electoral Commission to remain neutral. This caution comes amid a leadership crisis within the Nigeria===African Democratic Congress, which has been affected by a Court of Appeal ruling and the Nigeria===Independent National Electoral Commission's de-recognition of its factions.
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