ADC Accuses NBA of Political Bias Over Kalu’s Disciplinary Proceedings
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) of potentially taking sides in the political battle against the opposition following its decision to initiate disciplinary proceedings against lawyer and politician, Kalu Kalu, over his remarks concerning Justice Peter Lifu.
The party warned the NBA against allowing itself to be drawn into what it described as a political campaign against the opposition, insisting that respect for judicial institutions should not be used to silence criticism of alleged misconduct.
In a press statement issued on Saturday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said it supports constructive engagement, restraint and respect for institutions but questioned what it described as the NBA’s sudden reaction to Kalu’s comments.
The party asked why the association had not expressed similar concerns when the Court of Appeal reportedly criticised Justice Lifu’s conduct in a June 2026 ruling.
According to the ADC, the appellate court described the judge’s conduct as the “highest form of judicial impertinence” and referenced a Supreme Court precedent characterising such conduct as judicial rascality and rendering a judge unfit for the Bench.
The opposition party said the NBA’s response risked creating the impression that it was aligning itself with the ruling party in the ongoing political contest.
While acknowledging the NBA’s historic contributions to democracy and the rule of law, the ADC cautioned the association against compromising its credibility by appearing to participate in a political coalition against opposition parties.
The party argued that allegations of judicial misconduct and the purported existence of networks involving lawyers and judges serving political interests should attract greater attention from the legal association.
It maintained that such alleged practices, rather than Kalu’s political comments, were responsible for undermining public confidence in the judiciary and the administration of justice.
The ADC further insisted that lawyers should exercise restraint in their public engagements but maintained that criticism of perceived injustice must not be suppressed in the name of respect for the courts.
“There is no respectful way to address evil, and the NBA cannot teach us one,” the party declared.
The ADC reiterated that its demands remained the protection of the rule of law, the preservation of democracy and the pursuit of justice, urging the NBA to remain independent and avoid actions that could be interpreted as partisan.
