By Damilare Adeleye
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has warned that lawyers who file ex parte applications or seek interlocutory orders on issues pertaining to the internal affairs of political parties risk disciplinary action.
The legal association stated that recent developments regarding the interpretation of the Electoral Act 2026 raise serious constitutional and democratic concerns. In a statement released on April 10, 2026, NBA Pres. Afam Osigwe said Section 83 of the Act bars courts from entertaining matters related to the internal affairs of a political party.
Section 83 (5) of the legislation states: “Subject to the provision of subsection (3), no Court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party.”
Pres. Osigwe noted that some lawyers institute actions in clear violation of the Act, while some courts grant interim injunctions in contempt of statutory provisions. He described the trend of dragging courts into internal party disputes through forum shopping and malafide applications as a threat to democracy.
The legal body reminded lawyers they are ministers in the temple of justice and not political agents. The NBA also called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to sanction any judge who knowingly assumes jurisdiction in matters barred by the law.
The association stated it will present petitions before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) against any practitioner found engaging in such conduct.
This warning follows internal crises within opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). On April 1, 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced it would no longer recognise the ADC factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala following a review of a Court of Appeal judgment.