Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned judges who may serve on the 2027 election petition tribunals to maintain strict impartiality and avoid conduct that could create an impression of political alignment.
Kekere-Ekun gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja during the opening of the 2026/2027 legal year of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN). She said some judges of the court could be called upon to serve on election petition tribunals under the constitutional and legal framework governing the 2027 elections.
The CJN stressed that election petitions involve politically sensitive disputes that typically attract significant public attention. She therefore urged judges who may handle such cases to be mindful of their associations, public engagements and general conduct.
“You will be monitored,” Kekere-Ekun told the judges, adding that the responsibilities would become more important as Nigeria approaches another electoral season.
She said judges assigned to election tribunals must ensure that their decisions are guided by the Constitution, applicable laws, binding judicial precedents and established principles of judicial reasoning rather than political considerations.
The warning is significant because election tribunals play an important role in resolving disputes arising from elections. Their decisions can affect candidates, political parties and elected offices, making public confidence in the independence and integrity of the judiciary particularly important.
Kekere-Ekun also cautioned lawyers against using public commentary to pressure judges or attack the judiciary. She said criticism of judgments should not extend to personal attacks, deliberate misrepresentation of court proceedings or attempts to influence judicial decisions through public opinion.
Nigeria is preparing for the 2027 general elections, with election-related litigation expected to form part of the post-election process. Against this background, the CJN’s warning underscores the judiciary’s responsibility to handle electoral disputes professionally and independently.
The Chief Justice’s remarks come as political activities intensify ahead of the polls, placing renewed attention on the conduct of judicial officers, lawyers and other stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
