Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and lead counsel to the Accord Party, Musibau Adetunmbi, has cautioned the Federal Government against what he described as excessive political desperation, warning that the long-term stability of Nigeria’s democracy depends on unwavering respect for the rule of law and the independence of institutions.

Speaking during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme, Adetunmbi argued that political actors must resist the temptation to weaken democratic processes in pursuit of electoral advantage, stressing that democratic legitimacy is sustained not by political dominance but by adherence to constitutional principles.

According to him, governments that seek to strengthen democracy must demonstrate commitment to lawful processes, judicial independence, and institutional integrity.

“The current federal government should please not be too desperate about power. They should allow the rule of law to prevail,” he said.

His remarks come amid a legal dispute triggered by a Federal High Court judgment ordering the deregistration of several political parties, including the Accord Party and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The controversy followed a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which ordered the deregistration of five political parties over alleged failure to comply with constitutional and statutory requirements governing political organizations in Nigeria.

However, the situation took a dramatic turn when the Court of Appeal granted a stay of execution on the judgment, effectively suspending the enforcement of the order pending the determination of substantive appeals.

Adetunmbi revealed that the Accord Party had immediately activated legal channels to challenge the ruling, insisting that the party remained committed to pursuing justice within the framework of the law.

According to him, the appellate court’s decision has provided an opportunity for all parties to fully ventilate their arguments before a final determination is reached.

“We were in court yesterday. Arguments were taken from both sides and their lordships ruled that enforcement of the judgment should be stalled pending further proceedings. We return on June 25 for the substantive appeal,” he explained.

Legal observers have described the appeal as a potentially significant case capable of clarifying the limits of judicial intervention in matters relating to political party regulation.

Addressing public speculation surrounding the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Adetunmbi rejected suggestions that the electoral body had taken sides in the dispute.

Instead, he argued that INEC’s actions should be viewed within the context of its constitutional responsibilities rather than partisan considerations.

The senior lawyer noted that while the commission possesses powers regarding the regulation of political parties, its conduct in the ongoing litigation should not be interpreted as support for any particular political organization.

“INEC is not throwing its weight behind our party. INEC is throwing its weight behind the justice of the matter,” he stated.

He emphasized that questions concerning the commission’s powers and responsibilities are among the issues that the courts may ultimately clarify through the appeal process.

While acknowledging concerns about public confidence in the justice system, Adetunmbi strongly defended Nigeria’s judiciary, describing it as an institution largely populated by competent and principled judges.

According to him, isolated incidents involving judicial misconduct should not be used to paint the entire judiciary in negative terms.

He maintained that many judges continue to uphold high ethical standards despite mounting pressures associated with politically sensitive cases.

“We have so many honest jurists at the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Like every institution, there may be a few bad eggs, but that does not define the entire system,” he said.

The SAN further clarified that allegations against some judges often relate to differing interpretations of legal precedents rather than deliberate disobedience of superior court orders.

According to him, legal disagreements are a normal feature of judicial systems worldwide and should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of institutional collapse.

Adetunmbi also raised concerns about the growing number of political cases occupying valuable judicial time, warning that the trend could negatively affect access to justice for ordinary Nigerians.

He noted that criminal suspects, detainees, and litigants involved in civil disputes frequently experience delays because courts are compelled to prioritize political and electoral matters.

According to him, the increasing volume of politically related litigation is creating pressure on an already stretched judicial system.

“Many people remain in detention while their cases await hearing because judicial time is increasingly being consumed by political disputes,” he lamented.

The legal practitioner urged policymakers to consider reforms capable of reducing unnecessary political litigation and ensuring that courts can more effectively balance competing demands.

Beyond legal and constitutional concerns, Adetunmbi highlighted structural challenges facing Nigeria’s justice sector, including inadequate court facilities and administrative bottlenecks.

He observed that many courtrooms across the country still operate under difficult conditions that are inconsistent with the demands of a modern judicial system.

The SAN stressed that strengthening judicial infrastructure is essential for improving efficiency, enhancing public confidence, and ensuring timely delivery of justice.

He also commended the oversight role of the National Judicial Council (NJC), noting that mechanisms already exist for monitoring judicial conduct, receiving petitions, and enforcing disciplinary measures where necessary.

According to him, due process remains central to maintaining judicial accountability and preserving the integrity of the bench.

As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve ahead of future electoral contests, Adetunmbi argued that respect for constitutionalism must remain non-negotiable.

He warned that democratic institutions become vulnerable whenever political interests are allowed to overshadow legal principles, stressing that sustainable democracy can only flourish when governments, political parties, courts, and regulatory agencies operate within clearly defined legal boundaries.

For the senior advocate, the ongoing legal battle over party deregistration is about more than the fate of a handful of political parties—it is a test of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance, institutional independence, and the rule of law.

He expressed confidence that the courts would ultimately provide clarity on the issues in dispute while reinforcing the constitutional safeguards that underpin Nigeria’s democratic system.

“We must put Nigeria on the path of the right attitude, where institutions are respected and the rule of law prevails over political expediency,” Adetunmbi concluded.