Judicial Activism in Party Politics Sparks Concern as HURIWA Warns of Democratic Risks

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has raised fresh concerns over the increasing intersection between the judiciary and partisan political disputes, warning that the trend could blur institutional boundaries and weaken Nigeria’s democratic safeguards.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the group said the growing resort to courts in resolving internal party disagreements is gradually shifting the judiciary from its constitutional role as an impartial arbiter into the centre of political contestation.
HURIWA noted that while the judiciary remains a critical pillar of democracy, its involvement in matters clearly defined by law as internal party issues raises fundamental questions about legal consistency and institutional restraint.
Citing Section 83 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the group emphasised that the law expressly limits judicial jurisdiction in intra-party matters and bars courts from granting interim orders in such disputes, in addition to prescribing sanctions for violations.
According to the association, the persistence of court rulings that appear to touch on these restricted areas suggests a broader systemic issue that could have long-term implications for governance and political stability.
HURIWA warned that if not carefully managed, the trend could create a perception of judicial partisanship, deepen political tensions, and inadvertently tilt the balance in favour of dominant political actors such as the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group stressed that the strength of any democracy lies in the clarity of its institutional roles, noting that political parties must be allowed to manage their internal affairs without undue external interference, while the judiciary must remain firmly anchored in the law.
It therefore called for a renewed commitment to judicial discipline, strict adherence to statutory provisions, and respect for institutional boundaries as essential steps toward preserving Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.
HURIWA maintained that safeguarding the credibility of the judiciary is not only a legal necessity but also a democratic imperative.