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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”.
2027: NDC Picks Kashima As Bauchi Governorship Candidate
National Democratic Congress (NDC)
The former secretary to the Bauchi State government, Ibrahim Kashim, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections through a consensus arrangement.
The chairman of the electoral committee for the Bauchi State governorship primary election, Paul Daniel, announced Mr Kashim’s emergence on Friday in Bauchi.
Eereporter.com
He said the decision followed consultations among party stakeholders and other aspirants.
Mr Daniel explained that the consensus process reflected the unity and maturity within the party, adding that members demonstrated understanding and cooperation throughout the exercise.
“With this development, Ibrahim Kashim has officially become the NDC governorship candidate for Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 elections,” he said.
Also speaking, the state chairman of the party, Abdullahi Maigari, said the NDC was steadily gaining acceptance across Bauchi State and the country at large.
He described the party as one of the few political platforms in the state without internal litigation, attributing the stability to responsible leadership at both the national and state levels.
Mr Maigari expressed confidence in Mr Kashim’s capacity to provide solutions to the socio-economic challenges facing the state, describing him as a committed and experienced politician.
He assured supporters that party members would work tirelessly to ensure victory for the NDC during the 2027 general elections.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Kashim thanked party leaders, delegates and supporters for the confidence reposed in him, describing his nomination as a collective mandate for the people of Bauchi State.
He pledged to pursue policies focused on education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, infrastructure and transparent governance if elected governor.
NDC
According to him, Bauchi State possesses enormous human and natural resources but requires visionary leadership and inclusive governance to unlock its full potential.
Mr Kashim called on party members and residents of the state to unite behind the NDC’s vision of development.
He promised to build a prosperous and inclusive Bauchi where no community would be left behind.
The candidate also urged the electorate to support the party’s message of hope, competence and people-oriented leadership ahead of the 2027 polls. Eereporter.com
Police: Six Nabbed Over Disruption Of Sallah In Katsina
The Katsina State Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with a violent attack on residents of Keku Village in Musawa Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest followed a swift response by operatives after a group of men allegedly stormed the community on Wednesday at about 2:00pm and attacked villagers with sticks and machetes, leaving several people injured.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Katsina by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq.
According to the police, the suspects invaded the village in a coordinated attack that disrupted peace in the area during the Sallah celebration period.
Those arrested include Dayyabu Salisu (25), Usama Mansur (23), Yunusa Nura (27), Abdulmumini Alka (23), Buhari Suleiman (27) and Abubakar Safiyanu (27).
The Command said sticks, machetes and motorcycles were recovered as exhibits from the suspects.
Eereporter.com
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects criminally conspired to disrupt the peaceful Sallah celebration and breach the relative peace being enjoyed in the area. The prompt response of VCRU personnel saved the situation from escalating further. The injured victims were rushed to the nearest hospital and are currently responding to treatment. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” the statement read.
The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, condemned the attack and assured residents of sustained efforts to maintain law and order across the state.
He urged members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious movements through the Command’s emergency lines: 0815 697 7777, 0707 272 2539, and 0902 220 9690.
Police
The Command reiterated its zero tolerance for thuggery, mob action and other activities capable of disrupting public peace.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Delta State Police Command had earlier arrested two suspected armed robbers with a pump-action gun, live cartridges and other incriminating exhibits.
Eereporter.com
Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Demands Stronger Protection For Children, Schools
The governor lamented the recent abduction and killing of teachers in Oyo State.
Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on Friday, urged urgent national commitment to protecting Nigerian children and schools against worsening insecurity nationwide.
Mr Sanwo-Olu made the call during the grand finale of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration organised by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in Ikeja.
The governor lamented the recent abduction and killing of teachers in Oyo State, describing the tragedy as painful evidence of growing insecurity threatening education nationwide.
Eereporter.com
“This Children’s Day arrives during painful national grief. We cannot genuinely celebrate while innocent children, teachers, and families continue suffering devastating consequences from violent attacks,” he said.
Mr Sanwo-Olu urged security agencies and the federal government to intensify rescue operations and strengthen measures to safeguard schools and learning environments across the country.
He insisted that every remaining captive must return safely, while governments at all levels establish stronger frameworks to protect schools from criminal attacks and violence.
Speaking on the celebration’s theme, the governor stressed that children’s rights to education, safety, dignity, and life must remain protected through deliberate national policies.
“The right to education, safety, and life are obligations owed children today. Every government must guarantee schools remain secure places where learning flourishes daily without fear,” he added.
Mr Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who delivered the governor’s address.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said the celebration’s theme highlighted the importance of protecting children’s rights and opportunities.
The theme, ‘Listen to the Future, Stand Up for Children’s Rights,’ focused on safeguarding children’s access to education, safety, expression, and equal opportunities nationwide.
Mr Alli-Balogun noted that activities organised throughout the week were designed to inspire students, strengthen confidence, and encourage inclusive learning environments across Lagos State.
According to him, the activities included youth forums, career talks, debates, cultural displays, Jumat prayers, thanksgiving services and a children’s parade rally.
“Listen to the future, stand up for children’s rights by protecting education, safety, expression, and opportunities while ensuring every child’s voice is heard and respected,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu
The commissioner stated that students demonstrated creativity, confidence, and awareness through debates and cultural performances presented during the week-long celebration activities.
He said the presentations reflected the importance of identity, cultural heritage, and active youth participation in national growth and development.
“We remain committed to safe schools, inclusive learning, and policies that empower children to dream boldly, speak freely, and grow into responsible leaders of tomorrow,” he added.
Mr Alli-Balogun reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safe schools, noting that the celebration reflected efforts to consistently invest in children’s future and wellbeing.
Lagos State traditionally uses Children’s Day celebrations to promote enrollment into public primary schools across the state.
The state government also publicises registration drives for primary one admissions during the annual Children’s Day activities as part of its educational development campaign. Eereporter.com
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