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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said the position of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) supports its claim that the law is being violated in its ongoing leadership dispute.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the NBA’s view confirms that courts do not have the power to decide internal party matters.
“The NBA’s position is clear and unambiguous: courts have no jurisdiction over the internal affairs of political parties,” the statement said.
The ADC described the NBA’s intervention as “timely and principled,” adding that attempts to obtain court orders in such cases go against the Electoral Act.
According to the party, the leadership dispute is not a genuine legal issue but “a coordinated effort to weaponize the judicial process for political ends.”
It also accused some individuals of abusing court processes through “forum shopping and malafide litigation” to create confusion within the party.
The ADC further claimed that the situation reflects wider political pressure, alleging that the ruling party is trying to weaken opposition groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party warned that any court orders obtained in violation of the law “are fundamentally defective and cannot stand.”
While praising the NBA for speaking out, the ADC also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral.
“INEC must remain a neutral arbiter, not a participant in political engineering,” the statement said.
The party cautioned that Nigeria’s democracy could be at risk if institutions are influenced and legal processes are misused.
“The issue before us is bigger than the ADC. It is about the integrity of the democratic process itself,” the statement added.
The ADC said it would continue to use lawful means to defend its leadership and protect democracy.
NBA position proves courts interfering in party matters – ADC
