WE WON'T SUCCUMB TO MANIPULATION: FIRMLY WE STAND- Lauretta Onochie

At critical moments in a nation’s history, clarity must replace confusion, and courage must overcome fear. Nigeria is at such a moment.

There is a growing pattern where the judiciary—particularly lower courts—is being drawn into matters that the law has already settled as strictly internal to political parties.

This is not just a legal anomaly; it is a strategic pressure point aimed at weakening opposition structures, creating artificial crises, and distracting from the real democratic contest.

But the law is not silent. It is clear, consistent, and emphatic.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has repeatedly drawn a firm boundary:
March 21, 2025 Judgment:
“No court has jurisdiction to entertain cases bordering on the internal affairs of political parties.”

In the SDP vs INEC decision, the Court reaffirmed that:
“The internal affairs of political parties are for the parties alone to determine” and remain “beyond the reach of external interference.”

The Electoral Act 2026, Section 83(5), goes even further:
“No court in Nigeria shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit or matter pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party.”
It imposes severe penalties, including fines of ₦10 million or more, on legal practitioners who attempt to weaponize the courts in this way.

What does this mean in plain terms?
Leadership disputes, party conventions, membership issues, suspensions—these are not for courts to decide. They are for political parties to manage through their constitutions and internal mechanisms.

Yes, there is a narrow exception: disputes arising from party primaries may be justiciable under the law. But beyond that, the line is bright—and it has been deliberately drawn to protect democracy from judicial overreach and political manipulation.

To the Opposition: ADC, PDP, SDP, etc., Stand Firm!
This moment calls for discipline, not panic.
Do not be distracted by engineered litigations designed to fracture unity. These legal tactics thrive on fear, confusion, and internal distrust. When opposition actors begin to second-guess themselves or turn against one another, the objective of those tactics is achieved.

Instead:
Trust your internal processes. Your party constitution is your first line of defense.

Stay united. Fragmentation is the real threat—not litigation.

Engage the law strategically. Where boundaries are crossed, challenge it at the appropriate level with clarity and precision.

Communicate confidently. Nigerians must understand that these maneuvers are not about justice—they are about control.

To Nigerians: This Is Bigger Than Any Party
This is not merely a partisan issue. It is about whether democratic institutions will function as intended or be bent to serve narrow interests.

When courts are encouraged—directly or indirectly—to intrude into areas they have no jurisdiction over, the rule of law itself is weakened. And when the rule of law weakens, democracy becomes vulnerable.

The Bottom Line
The legal position is settled. The strategy being deployed is also clear.
But so too must be the response:
Calm. United. Resolute.

Democracy is not sustained by court orders alone—it is sustained by the collective will of the people and the courage of those who choose to defend it.

Let us remember: Just remember!
You are not at the mercy of manipulation if you stand firmly on the law.

God bless Nigeria.
Lauretta Onochie
@Laurestar