Lower Courts Don’t Have Jurisdiction on Internal Affairs of Political Parties; Abuja Court Ruling Was Another Plot to Stop Obi from Contesting — Yunusa Tanko
Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Global has condemned an Abuja Federal High Court judgement restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or participating in any congress organised by the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Reacting to the ruling in a statement, Yunusa Tanko has said that no lower courts have the legal authority to adjudicate matters relating to the internal affairs of political parties.
‘’The Supreme Court of Nigeria has consistently held that lower courts should not interfere in the internal affairs of political parties.’’
He also cited precedents where the Supreme Court blocks lower courts from meddling in parties’ affairs.
‘’SDP vs INEC case: The Court reaffirmed “the long-settled legal position that the internal affairs of political parties are for the parties alone to determine” and are “beyond the reach of external interference.”
‘’Electoral Act 2026 Section 83(5): “No court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party.” It also prescribes fines of ₦10 million or more for lawyers who file such cases.’’
According to him, courts may intervene in disputes arising from party primaries under the Electoral Act. However, matters such as leadership, conventions, membership, and suspensions remain internal affairs and are generally not justiciable.
Tanko further alleged that the decision appears targeted, stressing the need for consistency and neutrality in judicial rulings involving political actors.
