It will also discourage vexatious and tactical litigation, restore certainty to political parties ahead of the electoral season, as well as protect the judiciary from being drawn into partisan strategy. Showunmi argued that no constitutional democracy can function where the basic vehicles of political participation are perpetually unsettled by litigation. “While political parties are voluntary associations, the constitution accords them a unique status. By virtue of section 221 of the Constitution, only political parties may canvass for votes or sponsor candidates. Showunmi said that even the Appeal Court has consistently admitted that instability within political parties has direct constitutional consequences for democratic governance.

Source: The Guardian January 13, 2026 05:41 UTC