Another Army Commander killed by terrorists, Tinubu summons Service Chiefs

 

Few days after the killing of Brigadier-General Braimah Oseni and some soldiers Benisheikh, another Commanding Officer and six soldiers were killed late Sunday night when their vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Monguno both in Borno State.

The latest killing happened just minutes after the unit had successfully fought off a terrorist attack on their position.

 

 

Troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force (North East), had come under an insurgent infiltration attempt at Charlie 13 location and engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to flee.

 

With the area apparently secured, the Commanding Officer (whose identity has not been officially released by the Military authorities) drove forward to assess the situation firsthand.

 

His vehicle hit an IED. He and six of his men died at the scene.

 

The attack was the latest in a string of deadly incidents along the Borno corridor.

 

Just days earlier, coordinated assaults were recorded in Ngamdu and Benisheik, while the military has been conducting sustained airstrikes on ISWAP enclaves in the Jilli axis following intelligence of insurgent buildup in the area.

 

Lt. Col. Sani Uba, Media Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, confirmed the deaths of the Monguno attack on Monday morning.

With additional report by TheConclaveNg)

Pope Leo XIV responds to Trump, says: ‘I am not a politician, I speak of the Gospel’

 

Pope Leo XIV responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent statements, saying: ‘I am not a politician, I speak of the Gospel,’ adding that he will “continue to speak strongly against war, seeking to promote peace and dialogue.”

Pope Leo, who spoke during the short flight to Algiers, Algeria where he began his African Papal visit, answered questions about the statements of President Trump against him on the Truth Social network, said since he does not see his role as that of a politician, “I do not want to enter into a debate with him.”

The Pope added, “I do not think the message of the Gospel should be abused as some are doing. I continue to speak strongly against war, seeking to promote peace, dialogue, and multilateralism among states to find solutions to problems. Too many people are suffering today, too many innocent lives have been lost, and I believe someone must stand up and say there is a better way.”

 

The Pope then renewed the same call with which he began his pontificate: peace. “I say this to all world leaders, not only him [President Trump]: let us end wars and promote peace and reconciliation.”

 

Responding to an American journalist who asked the same question, the Holy Father explained, “I have no fear of the Trump administration or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do, what the Church is here to do.”

 

“We are not politicians,” he argued. “We don’t deal with foreign policy with the same perspective he might understand it, but I do believe in the message of the Gospel, as a peacemaker.”

 

President Trump launched a sweeping and deeply personal assault on Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, targeting the first American Pope over his criticism of US military action in Iran and Venezuela, an extraordinary public feud between the leader of the free world and the leader of the Catholic Church.

 

“Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy,” Trump wrote, in what became the defining line of a tirade that ran to several hundred words and touched on immigration, nuclear weapons, Venezuela, COVID-era church closures and the pope’s brother.

 

Speaking to reporters shortly afterwards, Trump was equally blunt. “I don’t think he’s doing a very good job,” he said, adding, “I’m not a fan of Pope Leo.”

 

He concluded with a direct instruction to the head of the world’s largest Christian denomination: “Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician. It’s hurting him very badly and, more importantly, it’s hurting the Catholic Church.”

 

An ongoing message of peace

Peace is one of the guiding themes of this Apostolic Journey to four African nations. This journey, Pope Leo explained, is special for a number of reasons, including that it was meant to be “the first of the pontificate.”

 

He expressed his joy at being able to revisit the land of St. Augustine, who, the Pope said, “offers a very important bridge in interreligious dialogue.” This opportunity to travel to the place where this North African saint served as bishop is a blessing for the Pope, but, he stressed, “also for the Church and for the world, because we must always seek bridges to build peace and reconciliation.”

 

The Pope addressed questions regarding the US President’s statements against him

The Pope addressed questions regarding the US President’s statements against him   (@Vatican Media)

 

He closed his greeting to journalists by highlighting the journey’s overall mission—to continue forward with the “same voice and the same message: what we want to do is promote peace, reconciliation, respect, and consideration for all peoples.”

 

On the ground in Algeria

The papal plane touched down in the capital city of Algiers, and Pope Leo was welcomed by the President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

 

Greeted by rainy weather, the Holy Father went directly into the Salon d’Honneur (Hall of Honor) of the airport, where a young girl in traditional dress presented him with flowers before the Honor Guard performed different anthems. Following the welcome ceremony, Pope Leo had a brief private meeting with President Tebboune.

 

The President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria welcomed the Pope

The President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria welcomed the Pope   (@Vatican Media)

 

After the private audience, the Pope traveled to the Maqam Echahid (Martyrs’ Memorial) for his first stop during the three-day visit to Algeria.

 

Written with reports from Vatican News

Culled from Globalupfront.

2027: Hayatu-Deen joins ADC, laments worsening insecurity, shrinking democratic space

Chieftain and 2022 Presidential aspirant in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing worsening insecurity, rising cost of living, and what he described as a shrinking democratic space in Nigeria.
The economist, banker and former presidential aspirant, has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a statement released on Sunday by his Media Office, disclosed that his decision was driven by growing national challenges and the need for a credible alternative capable of delivering security, economic stability, and job creation.
He lamented that democratic institutions are under strain and that space for genuine opposition is narrowing, stressing that Nigerians deserve real choices. Pledging to deploy his decades of experience in business and economic reform, he said he would campaign actively with the ADC ahead of the 2027 elections to help deliver a safer and more prosperous future for the country.
“Like many of you, I want a safer, more prosperous future for Nigeria, but the nation faces fundamental problems that are being ignored” Hayatu-Deen lamented.
“This was the motivational force behind my entry into politics in 2022, when I threw my hat into the ring as a presidential aspirant in the PDP in what was then a wide-open democratic space.
“However, since then, the hopes and yearnings of Nigerians have been met with bitter disappointment.
“This is why I have taken the decision to join the ADC which I know is the vehicle for change” he stated.
He said that on daiky basis, he listens to people across Nigeria saying that they want a government that is focused on fixing the problems, and delivering a safer and more prosperous future for their families.
“Aspirational Nigerians want a steady, calm and credible government alternative that will tackle insecurity, reduce the cost of living, and foster job creation; ensuring that our hopes for the future are realised and not forfeited to politics as usual.
“I am also deeply concerned about the increasing shrinkage of our democratic space. Voices are being stifled, institutions are under strain, and the space for credible opposition and real choice is being systematically closed. Democracy must offer Nigerians genuine options.
“This gives me even greater impetus to be involved in the political process” he stressed.
Recounting his past professional experiences that have made him a successful business entrepreneur he continued which will also shape his Presidential ambition he continued,
“I have taken companies from loss to profit, led nationwide economic reforms to create new jobs, and coordinated charitable efforts to help children access education in the face of insecurity. I will deploy my business and governmental experience that has, and continues to support millions of jobs in Nigeria.
“From this day onwards until the 2027 elections, I will campaign relentlessly as a party member, to help the ADC win the elections and deliver the better future Nigeria desperately deserves”.
Authority.

The renewed dystopia of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (1)

 

 

By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, April 12, 2026

 

“Our administration will be committed to permanently securing the safety, freedom and prosperity of all Nigerians. We shall adopt a proactive and intelligence driven security approach to sufficiently address the nation’s security threats.” – All Progressives’ Congress, Renewed Hope: Action Plan for a Better Nigeria, p. 6 (2023)

 

Niger State in Nigeria’s north-central zone also goes by the moniker of “Power State.” Nigeria’s founding Head of State, Nnamdi Azikiwe, was born in the territory of the state as was Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, leader of the defunct Biafra. The state has also produced two former military heads of state and a Chief Justice of Nigeria, but these are not the reasons its moniker.

 

Niger State is the “power state” because it is host to several sensitive and strategic national energy assets in located in Jebba, Kainji, and Shiroro, on the lower course of the River Niger. In addition, the state also hosts a collection of sensitive security installations. In the recent past, however, the state has become the place where the power of the Nigerian state goes to advertise its incapacities.

 

Shiroro illustrates this problem. At about 5,171 km², Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State is approximately the size of Imo State in South-east Nigeria. In May 2025, Humangle reported that insurgents allied with Boko Haram have “formed a parallel government physically stationed on the fringes of the Allawa Forest in Shiroro.” In the past half decade, Shiroro has been the site of the most intense slaughter of uniformed assets of Nigeria’s armed and security services.

 

On the night June 29-30 2022, for instance, a motorbike gang of over 300 armed terrorists descended on Ajata-Aboki village in the Gurmana Ward of Shiroro. Their destination was an artisanal mine in the village. At the site, they reportedly abducted at least four Chinese and several other workers.

 

While the attack was ongoing, a company of soldiers stationed in nearby Erena responded to a distress call about the attack. On their way, they encountered an ambush from the insurgents who killed scores, including least 30 soldiers and six civilian volunteers. President Buhari called this tragedy “a direct assault on Nigeria, vowing that the attackers would not go unpunished.”

 

In fact, they did.

 

All this unfolded under the a federal government run by the All Progressives Congress (APC) headed by the predecessor of the current incumbent. As presidential candidate of the party, Bola Tinubu promised to solve insecurity. Published under the title “Renewed Hope: Action Plan for a New Nigeria”, his manifesto for the 2023 presidential election began: “The fundamental responsibility of government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens. We will mobilise the totality of our national security, military and law enforcement assets to protect all Nigerians from danger and from the fear of danger.”

 

He did not mean it. For the people of Shiroro, as with many communities in north-central Nigeria, the only thing worse than the growing intensification of atrocity and danger is the even more intense indifference of the Tinubu administration to their plight.

 

In April 2024, one officer of the Nigerian Army (a Captain), six soldiers under his command and a volunteer hunter were killed in separate attacks on Roro, Karaga, and Rumace communities in Bassa Ward of Shiroro.

 

Around 11 September 2024, the casualty count in an encounter between the security services and insurgent terrorists in Bassa included at least two officers of the State Security Service (SSS).

 

In November 2024, insurgents in Shiroro killed four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and disappeared another.

 

In the wake of these incidents, Shiroro, a source of power to many communities in Northern Nigeria, has “become a slaughterhouse”, where terrorists operate at will and mass atrocities stalk every community.

 

In June 2024, “witnesses in the town of Bassa said Boko Haram fighters attacked in broad daylight on June 6, shot the victims at close range and beheaded 10 of them.”

 

In August 2024, the insurgents killed 13 farmers.

 

As the world prepared for Christmas on 24 December 2025, the terrorists picked upon Karibo community in Shiroro, killing about 15.

 

The latest attacks on Lanta and Bagna in Shiroro began Easter Monday. It left at least 63 killed, mostly “operatives of the State Security Services (SSS), vigilantes, and local hunters.” No abductions were reported.

 

Shiroro is by no means an outlier its vicinity. Rather, it mirrors the experience of an increasing number of communities in northern Nigeria where the Nigerian State has become complicit in its own retrenchment under the watch of a president who promised different.

 

The period since the Easter week-end has witnessed intense and brutal slaughter across the landscape of northern Nigeria, including in Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau and Zamfara States.

 

Rather than worry about the protection of Nigerians exposed to this pattern of murderous insecurity, Defence Minister, Chris Musa, a recently retired General of the Nigerian Army and an even more recent recruit into the ranks of the ruling party, flamboyantly busied himself with the defence and security of the party political convention of the ruling APC.

 

Far from making a priority of fulfilling his campaign promise to improve the protection and security of communities across the country, President Bola Tinubu appears more invested in the creature comforts of himself and his most loyal acolytes. In response to the widening field of slaughter in northern Nigeria, the government increasingly defaults to propaganda and falsehood.

 

On Easter Sunday, for instance, armed terrorists two places of worship in Ariko Community in Awon Ward, Kachia Local Government Area, of Kaduna State. In separate attacks on the First ECWA Church and Saint Augustine’s Catholic Church in the village, they killed at least five worshippers and abducted another 38 into the surrounding foliage.

 

In response, the Army promptly issued a statement claiming that it had “rescued” 31 of the abductees. Nothing of the sort happened. The following day, the community leadership issued a public statement firmly refuting this claim.

 

This was not a first. On 18 January 2026, after terrorists abducted 177 worshippers from three churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the Nigeria Police Force and the Chairman of the Local Government publicly denied the abductions. They only reluctantly walked back their denials after public pressure. Those who called attention to this pattern of institutional mendacity have suffered persecution and intimidation.

 

As the insecurity has intensified, the response of the Bola Tinubu administration has evolved from complicit indifference and now verges on criminal cynicism. North-central and north-west Nigeria, the sites of this intensification of insecurity, happen also to be the most fertile sites of votes in Nigeria.

 

While the communities in these parts of the country get emptied into mass graves or internal displacement camps, and the uniformed security agents sent to defend them pay with their lives in impermissible numbers, the politicians are busy recruiting political defections or fomenting political disaffection.

 

The only thing that counts these days is not the security and wellbeing of the voters but the promise of assured return for the ruling party in the invention of a contingent electoral landslide in January 2026. In the nature of these things in Nigeria, even as most of their members now inhabit mass graves or IDP camps in far flung places, these empty communities will, nevertheless, report a fulsome turnout of ghosts in the presidential election in 2027 in favour of the ruling party.

 

Shiroro is a testing ground.

 

Hunters for happy endings are likely to create a squatter camp around this concluding paragraph, looking for recommendations or suggestions. I have none. A government that encourages lies against its own citizens in mass graves or under the thrall of atrocity abduction does not need recommendations to reverse its commitment to renewed dystopia. To the citizens and communities caught in this, however, we owe acknowledgement and solidarity. This is the beginning.

 

 

A lawyer and a teacher, Odinkalu can be reached at chidi.odinkalu@tufts.edu

ADC hails NBA position, says ongoing legal actions violate electoral law

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed the position of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on the ongoing leadership dispute within the party, describing it as a clear validation of its long-held stance that the law is being violated.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi on Saturday, the party said the NBA’s assertion that courts lack jurisdiction over internal affairs of political parties confirms that the legal actions challenging its leadership are fundamentally defective.
“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 said.
The ADC maintained that the current dispute is not a genuine legal contest but a calculated attempt to manipulate the judicial process for political purposes. It described the situation as “a coordinated effort to weaponize the judicial process,” noting that the NBA had similarly warned against abuse of court processes and forum shopping.
According to the party, such developments point to growing political tension, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. It alleged that certain actors were seeking to exploit legal mechanisms to weaken opposition platforms.
“This pattern reflects a deeper political anxiety within the ruling party… now determined to weaken or neutralize all viable opposition platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections,” ADC added.
The party stressed that any court orders obtained in violation of established legal provisions cannot stand, insisting that actions based on such rulings are inherently flawed.
The party also expressed concern over what it described as persistent attempts by “nefarious actors” to drag the courts into matters clearly outside their jurisdiction, while using such processes to create confusion around its leadership structure.
Commending the NBA for what it termed a “timely and principled intervention,” the ADC said the association’s warning to legal practitioners and judicial officers underscores the seriousness of the situation.
“We commend the NBA for its courage in calling out these practices and reaffirming that the rule of law must not be subordinated to political expediency,” Abdullahi said.
The party further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take note of the NBA’s position and avoid any action that could undermine its neutrality or lend legitimacy to what it described as unlawful judicial interference.
“INEC must remain a neutral arbiter, not a participant in political engineering,” the statement stressed.
The ADC warned that Nigeria’s democracy could be at risk if institutions fail to uphold the law, cautioning against a system where legal frameworks are disregarded and judicial processes manipulated for predetermined outcomes.
“The issue before us is bigger than the ADC. It is about the integrity of the democratic process itself,” the party stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the ADC said it would continue to pursue all lawful means to defend its leadership and safeguard democratic principles in the country. Authority.

Police unseal PDP headquarters

 

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the reopening of its National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, and Legacy House in Maitama, Abuja, following their unsealing by the in compliance with court orders.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, said the facilities were formally handed over to the National Chairman, and the National Secretary.

The PDP commended the police for what it described as professionalism and adherence to due process. “This action is a clear demonstration of respect for constitutional order and the rule of law,” it stated.

The development comes amid recent internal disputes within the party, which had led to the sealing of the secretariat. The party, however, said the reopening signals a resolution of the crisis.

“This positive development reassures members that the recent challenges confronting the party have been effectively resolved,” the statement added.

The PDP leadership issued a stern warning against any actions capable of disrupting activities at the secretariat, emphasizing that security agencies have been placed on alert to deal with potential violators.

“All individuals and groups are advised to conduct themselves within the bounds of the law,” the party cautioned.

The party also called on aggrieved members to embrace reconciliation in the interest of unity and progress. “We urge all members to sheath their swords and work together for the collective interest of the party,” it said.

The statement further expressed appreciation to party leaders and stakeholders for their support during the crisis, with special recognition given to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , described as the party’s national leader.

According to the PDP, Wike’s guidance and commitment played a significant role in stabilizing the party during the turbulent period.

Reaffirming its commitment to unity, the party said it is now focused on strengthening its structure ahead of future political engagements.

“Together, we move forward stronger, united, and more committed to our shared vision,” the statement concluded. Authority

FG names 48 individuals, groups in terrorism financing crackdown

 

 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has released the identities of 48 individuals and organisations allegedly linked to terrorism financing, intensifying its ongoing efforts to dismantle financial networks supporting extremist activities.

 

The list, published by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee, includes a mix of individuals and proscribed groups suspected of providing financial or logistical support to terrorist operations within and beyond Nigeria.

 

Among those named are: Abdulsamat Ohida; Mohammed Sani; Abdurrahman Abdurrahman; Fatima Ishaq; Tukur Mamu; Yusuf Ghazali; Muhammad Sani; Abubakar Muhammad; Sallamudeen Hassan; Adamu Ishak; Hassana Isah Musa; AbdulKareem Umar; Abdullahi; Abdurrahman Ado; Bashir Yusuf Alhassan; Ibrahim; Muhammad Isah; Salihu Adamu; Surajo Mohammad Fannami Bukar; Musa; Muhammed Sahabi Ismail; Mohammed Buba.

 

Also listed are several groups, including Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), Islamic State West Africa Province, and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), alongside other entities identified as “Yan Group” and related factions.

 

Additional individuals named include: Adamu Hassan; Hassan Mohammed; Usman Abubakar; Kubara Salawu; Rabiu Suleiman; Simon Njoku; Godstime Iyare; Francis Mmadubuchi John; Onwumere Chukwuka; Eze Edwin; Chukwuedo; Chiwendu Owoh; Ginika Orji; Awo Uchechukwu Mercy; Ali; Ohagwu Juliana Okpoto; Eze Nwaobi Chimezie; and Ogumu Kewe.

 

Authorities say the publication is part of a broader strategy to identify and disrupt funding channels linked to terrorism, enabling financial institutions and security agencies to freeze assets, monitor suspicious transactions, and prevent further financing of violent activities.

 

The government подчеркed that inclusion on the list does not replace judicial processes, noting that investigations are ongoing and affected persons or entities may be subject to further legal action in line with due process.

 

Security experts view the move as a significant step in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, particularly in targeting the financial backbone of insurgency and organised violent groups.

 

More details are expected as the Nigeria Sanctions Committee continues its investigation and enforcement actions. Starnews

 

 

NEC postpones nationwide voter revalidation until after 2027 polls

 

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed the proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 general elections.

 

Mr Mohammed Haruna, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

 

Haruna, who did not state reasons for the postponement, said the decision was taken at the commission’s meeting in Abuja.

 

“Following deliberations, the commission resolved to postpone the exercise until after the 2027 general elections,” he said.

 

He described voter revalidation as a critical component of INEC’s mandate to maintain a credible and up-to-date National Register of Voters.

 

According to him, the exercise is designed to verify and review existing voter records, ensure the accuracy of personal data, eliminate duplicate and ineligible entries, and strengthen the integrity of the voter register.

 

He added that it would also provide registered voters the opportunity to confirm their details and make necessary corrections where required.

 

Haruna reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and inclusive elections.

Newspot.

 

AFCON 2025 Final Referee Dropped From World Cup Officiating Squad

The omission of Jean-Jacques Ndala from Africa’s officiating list for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has created fresh debate across the football community.
Ndala, who was at the centre of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final 2025, did not make the shortlist released by FIFA for the tournament set to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico between June 11 and July 19, 2026.

FIFA named seven centre referees, ten assistant referees and two VAR officials from Africa for the global competition. However, Ndala’s absence has raised eyebrows, coming just months after he officiated one of the most controversial finals in recent AFCON history.

The final, played in Morocco, ended in confusion after tensions boiled over on the pitch. Players from Senegal staged a protest, briefly walking off during the match, which had to be paused before it eventually resumed. Senegal had initially secured a 1–0 victory, but the result was later overturned following a decision by Confederation of African Football, handing Morocco the win.

Beyond Ndala, other notable referees left out of the World Cup list include Issa Sy and Boubou Traoré.

Meanwhile, the selected African officials were drawn from countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Gabon, Morocco, Mauritania, South Africa, Cameroon, Angola and Somalia, with Egypt having the highest number of representatives”
GWG

Don’t truncate Democracy through judicial manipulation, NBA warns courts, lawyers

 

 

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has cautioned judges and legal practitioners against actions that may truncate democracy in Nigeria.

The Association particularly frowned at the meddling in the internal affairs of political parties by courts and lawyers.

The warning was contained in a statement released on Friday and signed by the President of the NBA, Nazi Adam Osigwe.

Below is the full text of the statement:

OUR LAWS AND DEMOCRACY MUST BE PROTECTED AT ALL TIMES

The Nigerian Bar Association has closely monitored recent political and legal developments as the nation gradually approaches the 2027 General Elections. These developments, particularly those arising from the interpretation and potential application of provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, raise serious constitutional, democratic, and rule-of-law concerns that require immediate intervention.

We particularly deprecate the disturbing involvement by lawyers and courts in the internal affairs of political parties despite the clear provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026, which stipulates in Section 83 of the Act that “No court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party.”

Not only are courts denied jurisdiction to entertain any matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party, but they are also precluded from granting any interim or interlocutory injunction even where any action has been brought in violation of the Act. The section further provides that “Where such an action is brought in negation of this provision, no interim or interlocutory injunction shall be entertained by the Court, but the Court shall suspend its ruling and deliver it at the stage of final judgment and shall give accelerated hearing to the matter”.

What we now see are situations where actions are not only instituted in Courts by lawyers in clear violation of the Act, but Courts purportedly grant interim and/or interlocutory injunctions in clear contempt of statutory provisions of the law. This does not augur well for our democracy. Democracy will not thrive in a situation where lawyers and courts take actions and decisions that not only negate our laws but also do violence to them. This emerging trend of subverting the clear letters of the Electoral Act and dragging courts into the internal affairs of political parties through disingenuous litigation, forum shopping, and malafide applications designed to secure undemocratic political advantage, bodes no good for our democracy. Such practices, if not immediately curbed, would directly contradict the clear intendment of the Electoral Act and risk transforming the judicial processes into avenues for political score-settling or electoral manipulation.

We must reiterate that these provisions were clearly designed to curb abuse of court processes and discourage forum shopping in political disputes. This is therefore why the NBA is concerned that the abuse, misapplication, or selective deployment of these provisions may create opportunities for manipulation capable of undermining democratic competition and shrinking the political space.

Members of the Bar are reminded that they are Ministers in the Temple of Justice and not political agents seeking judicial endorsement of partisan objectives. The filing of actions intended to draw courts into internal political party disputes, particularly where jurisdiction is expressly excluded, constitutes an abuse of court process and a violation of professional responsibility.

The NBA will take firm steps to deter such conduct. Lawyers who deliberately file actions aimed at procuring judicial interference in intra-party affairs, or who seek ex parte or interlocutory orders in clear violation of statutory provisions, risk facing disciplinary proceedings. We will not hesitate to present petitions before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) against any Legal Practitioner found to be engaging in such conduct. This will be pursued decisively to serve as a deterrent and to preserve the sanctity of the judicial process.

The Nigerian judiciary must stay vigilant and resist being drawn into political theatrics. Courts should firmly decline invitations, no matter how artfully crafted, to intervene in matters the law explicitly bars them from. When statutes limit judicial meddling in party affairs, judges must show restraint, adhere to the law, and focus on cases properly before them.

We call on the National Judicial Council to make regulations that will sanction any judge who knowingly assumes jurisdiction in matters clearly barred by law, grants orders in respect of intra-party disputes in violation of statutory provisions, or lends the authority of the court to partisan political maneuvering. The NBA will not shy away from drawing the NJC’s attention to the actions of any judicial officer found to have acted in a manner inconsistent with the judicial oath, constitutional responsibilities, and the preservation of public confidence in the courts. The NBA will not hesitate to activate its constitutional responsibility to protect the integrity of the justice system.

The NBA calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission to exercise its expanded supervisory powers with utmost neutrality, independence, and fidelity to democratic values. The Commission must not, under any circumstances, be perceived as a participant in political engineering or as an institution whose regulatory authority is deployed in a manner that weakens political pluralism.

The Chairman of INEC, being a distinguished Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, is uniquely positioned to appreciate the constitutional implications of these developments. The NBA expects that the Commission, under his leadership, will ensure that its actions reflect independence, fairness, and strict adherence to democratic norms. The Bar is closely watching the conduct of the Commission and expects that its regulatory role will strengthen, not diminish, confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

The Bar will deploy all lawful mechanisms, engagement, advisory opinions, strategic litigation, and disciplinary processes, to ensure that lawyers do not weaponize the legal process so that the judiciary is not misused. Lawyers must remain officers of the court, not architects of procedural manipulation. Nigeria’s democracy must not be weakened by legal maneuvering, institutional capture, or the misuse of judicial authority. The courts must remain arbiters of justice, not instruments of political advantage. Electoral institutions must remain neutral umpires, not participants in political contests.

The electoral institutions must operate within the bounds of constitutional democracy.

MAZI AFAM OSIGWE, SAN
PRESIDENT NBA.

Sunrisereporters.