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NBA Position Confirms Courts Lack Jurisdiction Over Party Affairs, Says ADC
NBA Position Confirms Courts Lack Jurisdiction Over Party Affairs, Says ADC
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.
ADC
“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”.
ADC Releases Updated Convention Committee, Subcommittees Lists
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has released the updated lists of its Convention Committee and Subcommittees ahead of its forthcoming national convention.
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the update is aimed at strengthening coordination and ensuring a smooth and credible convention.
ADC
The ADC urged all committee members to discharge their responsibilities with diligence and called on stakeholders to support the process.
Signed,
Bolaji Abdullahi
National Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
NAF Investigates Alleged Civilian Casualties In Jilli
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken note of reports alleging that an air strike conducted on Saturday, 11 April 2026, may have affected a local market in Jilli, resulting in civilian casualties. The Service treats all reports of possible civilian harm with the utmost seriousness and empathy, as the protection of innocent lives remains central to all NAF operations.
In line with this commitment, the CAS has directed an immediate activation of the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell (CHAI-Cell) to immediately proceed to the location on a fact-finding mission on the allegation.
The NAF remains firmly committed to professionalism, accountability, and transparency in the conduct of its missions, and will work closely with relevant authorities and community representatives to establish the facts. While this process is ongoing, the Service respectfully urges the public and the media to refrain from speculation and allow the review to proceed without prejudice.
NAF
The Nigerian Air Force reassures all citizens of its steadfast resolve to protect both national security and civilian lives, while ensuring that every credible concern is addressed with the diligence and seriousness it deserves.
Ehimen Ejodame
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information,
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force.
12 April 2026
NAF Strengthen Operational Effectiveness Though World Optometry Day Commemoration In Lagos
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), through Logistics Command, on 9 April 2026 joined the nation and the international community in commemorating World Optometry Day with a sensitization lecture and health screening programme for personnel and their families at the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Mess Gym, Ikeja, Lagos.
Held under the global theme “A Shared Vision,” the initiative aligned with the World Council of Optometry’s emphasis on expanding access to quality eye care, strengthening professional collaboration, and addressing emerging vision challenges worldwide. By actively participating in this important global health observance, the NAF once again demonstrated its commitment to international best practices in personnel welfare while projecting Nigeria’s defence institution as a responsible stakeholder in both local and international fora.
Flagging off the programme, the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdul Suleh, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to promoting accessible and quality eye care for personnel and their families, particularly through glaucoma education and targeted screening for those aged 40 years and above. The initiative holds significant value for national security and development, as optimal visual health directly enhances alertness, situational awareness, aviation safety, engineering precision, and mission effectiveness across air operations.
In today’s technology-driven battlespace, where speed, accuracy, and rapid decision-making are central to success, preserving the visual readiness of NAF personnel remains a strategic investment in operational capability, force protection, and the broader national security architecture.
In his remarks, the Commander 661 NAF Hospital, Air Commodore Adedoyin Simon Oyenusi, rightly underscored that in the military profession, good eyesight is indispensable to efficiency, safety, and peak performance. The lecture by Dr AA Bashir further reinforced the value of early diagnosis and prompt intervention, especially in the prevention and management of glaucoma, one of the leading causes of vision loss.
NAF Strengthen Operational Effectiveness
This strategic focus on preventive eye health aligns with the command philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, which emphasizes smarter airpower delivery, innovation, and human capacity development as critical enablers of mission success. By institutionalising such healthcare initiatives, the NAF continues to strengthen human capacity, preserve operational excellence, and reinforce its contribution to Nigeria’s security and socio-economic development.
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