The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says the position of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) confirms that courts lack jurisdiction over internal party matters.
In a statement on Friday, the NBA warned against increasing judicial involvement in political party disputes ahead of the 2027 elections.
The legal body said section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026 clearly bars courts from entertaining cases relating to internal party affairs or granting interim orders in such matters.
The association also raised concerns over what it described as abuse of court processes, noting that some lawyers and courts have continued to file and entertain cases in violation of the law, a trend it said could undermine democracy.
‘LAW IS BEING VIOLATED’
In a statement on Saturday issued by Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the ADC, the party said the NBA’s position validates its stance in the ongoing leadership dispute.
“The NBA’s position is clear and unambiguous: courts have no jurisdiction over the internal affairs of political parties, and any attempt to secure interim or interlocutory orders in such matters is in direct violation of the Electoral Act,” the statement reads.
“This is precisely what the ADC has consistently maintained. What we are witnessing is not a legitimate legal dispute.
“It is a coordinated effort to weaponize the judicial process for political ends — a strategy the NBA has rightly described as an abuse of court process, driven by forum shopping and malafide litigation.”
The party alleged that political actors are attempting to weaken opposition parties in the country.
“This pattern reflects a deeper political anxiety within the ruling party, which, faced with a comprehensive failure across critical fronts: worsening insecurity, a crushing cost-of-living crisis, economic instability, rising unemployment, and declining public trust — now appears determined to weaken or neutralize all viable opposition platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement added.
“The implication of this is straightforward: any orders procured in violation of the law, and any actions taken on the strength of such orders, are fundamentally defective and cannot stand.
“The ADC notes with concern that despite these clear legal provisions, certain nefarious actors have persisted in dragging the courts into matters explicitly barred by statute.”
“We commend the NBA for its courage in calling out these practices and for reaffirming the foundational principle that the rule of law must not be subordinated to political expediency.”
The party also referenced the NBA’s warning to legal practitioners and judicial officers.
“We also take note of the NBA’s warning to legal practitioners and judicial officers, and its call for disciplinary action against those who deliberately undermine the law,” the statement reads.
“Accordingly, the ADC calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take immediate cognisance of the NBA’s position and to refrain from any action that may lend credibility to processes that are clearly inconsistent with the Electoral Act.”
“INEC must remain a neutral arbiter, not a participant in political engineering.
“Nigeria’s democracy cannot survive a system where laws are ignored, institutions are pressured, and judicial processes are manipulated to achieve predetermined political outcomes.
“The issue before us is bigger than the ADC. It is about the integrity of the democratic process itself.”
The ADC said it would continue to defend its mandate through lawful means and “protect the sanctity of Nigeria’s democracy”.
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