NBA Cautions Lawyers Against Political Interference

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a warning to lawyers regarding their conduct in political party internal matters, stating that increased judicial interference could jeopardize democracy in Nigeria. NBA President Afam Osigwe highlighted concerns over recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), particularly its decision to remove leadership from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has sparked widespread controversy and protests led by Senator David Mark.

The NBA emphasized that lawyers must refrain from filing court actions that violate the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, which explicitly prohibits courts from entertaining disputes related to the internal affairs of political parties. The NBA is closely monitoring these developments and expects INEC to act independently and fairly.

Osigwe warned that any lawyer found to be engaging in conduct that undermines judicial processes will face disciplinary actions from the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.