The Nigerian Bar Association, Kaduna branch, has urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to resolve electoral disputes through lawful mechanisms rather than resorting to violence, intimidation or self-help ahead of the 2027 elections.
The branch also called for measures to ensure that insecurity does not disenfranchise eligible voters or prevent electoral officials from carrying out their responsibilities in affected communities.
The NBA Kaduna branch chairman, Baba Aliyu, made the call while outlining the legal challenges that could arise during the electoral process and the role of lawyers in promoting peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in an interview in Kaduna on Monday.
Mr Aliyu identified disputes arising from political party primaries and candidate nominations, non-compliance with electoral regulations, voter intimidation, vote buying, electoral violence, and interference with electoral materials as issues that could lead to litigation.
He also listed disputes over the conduct, collation and declaration of election results as potential areas of concern.
According to him, Kaduna’s security challenges make it particularly important for relevant authorities to protect voters, electoral officials and election materials.
“The right of citizens to participate in elections must be protected, and insecurity should not automatically translate into disenfranchisement,” he said.
The NBA chairman stressed the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, political parties, community leaders, and other stakeholders to work together to ensure eligible citizens can exercise their franchise safely.
He also called for inclusive electoral arrangements that would accommodate internally displaced persons and other vulnerable communities.
Mr Aliyu said political parties and candidates must familiarise themselves with the constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, INEC regulations and guidelines, and the applicable electoral timetable.
He advised parties to ensure that their primaries, nomination processes, campaign activities, financing and appointment of agents comply with the relevant legal framework.
The chairman further urged political actors and their supporters to avoid violence, inflammatory conduct, vote buying and other activities prohibited by law.
“It is much better to obtain legal advice before taking an action than to attempt to repair the consequences through litigation afterwards,” Mr Aliyu said, recommending that political parties engage competent legal advisers throughout the electoral process.
He explained that the Electoral Act 2026 had introduced changes to aspects of electoral litigation, including greater emphasis on resolving certain qualification issues before elections.
(NAN)
