NBA threatens sanctions over abuse of judicial process, urges strict adherence to party mechanisms for resolving internal conflicts
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a strong warning to legal practitioners and members of the judiciary over the growing trend of dragging internal political party disputes to court, cautioning that such actions could attract disciplinary sanctions.
In a statement addressing recent developments, the NBA expressed concern that courts are increasingly being used as battlegrounds for resolving intra-party conflicts, including leadership tussles, congress disagreements, and convention-related disputes.
The association stressed that political parties have established internal mechanisms for resolving their disputes and should be allowed to exhaust those processes without undue judicial interference. It warned that the persistent resort to litigation in purely political matters undermines both party structures and the integrity of the judicial system.
According to the NBA, lawyers who file cases that lack proper legal foundation or are aimed at manipulating political outcomes risk facing sanctions for professional misconduct. The body reiterated its commitment to upholding ethical standards within the legal profession and ensuring that the courts are not misused for partisan interests.
The association also called on judges to exercise caution and decline jurisdiction in matters that are fundamentally political in nature. It noted that entertaining such cases could erode public confidence in the judiciary and blur the line between legal adjudication and political interference.
The NBA emphasized that preserving the independence and credibility of the judiciary remains paramount, especially as Nigeria navigates an increasingly active political environment ahead of future elections.
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