Oluwatobi Adu 
KADUNA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kaduna Branch, has called for measures to ensure that insecurity does not prevent eligible citizens, including internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups, from participating in the 2027 general elections.
The branch chairman, Baba Aliyu, made the call in Kaduna on Monday while outlining legal and security issues that could affect the electoral process.
Aliyu said insecurity should not automatically result in communities being excluded from elections and urged authorities to develop arrangements that allow eligible voters in affected areas to exercise their rights safely.
He called for cooperation among the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties and community leaders to protect voters, electoral officials and election materials in areas affected by security threats.
The NBA chairman identified disputes arising from political party primaries and candidate nominations, non-compliance with electoral regulations, voter intimidation, vote buying and disputes over result collation as potential sources of litigation.
He urged political parties and other electoral actors to familiarise themselves with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and relevant INEC guidelines.
Aliyu said early legal advice could help political actors understand their obligations and reduce disputes arising from non-compliance with electoral rules.
“It is much better to obtain legal advice before taking an action than to attempt to repair the consequences through litigation afterwards,” he said.
He advised political parties to engage competent legal counsel from the beginning of their electoral activities, including during primaries, campaigns, financing arrangements and the appointment of polling agents.
The branch also urged political actors and their supporters to avoid violence, intimidation and other prohibited conduct.
Aliyu said where genuine electoral disputes arise, affected parties should use established legal mechanisms rather than resorting to self-help.
The NBA Kaduna Branch has said its focus is on promoting lawful and peaceful participation rather than supporting any political party or candidate.
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