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2027 Polls: CJN Warns Against Forum Shopping, Abuse of Ex-Parte Orders to Manipulate Judiciary
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned heads of courts to guard against forum shopping, concealment of related cases and abuse of ex-parte orders by politicians seeking to manipulate the judiciary ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Justice Kekere-Ekun gave the warning on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the 2026 roundtable for heads of courts organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
According to the CJN, election-related disputes often expose the judiciary to intense public scrutiny and political pressure, urging judges to remain impartial and strictly guided by the Constitution, the Electoral Act and extant court rules.
She specifically cautioned against attempts to obtain conflicting orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction, stressing that no litigant should be allowed to manipulate the judicial system in search of favourable decisions.
“No litigant should be permitted to manipulate the judicial system in search of a favourable decision. Public confidence in the judiciary will be tested during this period,” the CJN warned.
Kekere-Ekun also frowned at the misuse of urgent applications and ex-parte orders to secure improper advantage, insisting that lawyers and litigants must make full and frank disclosure of relevant facts and respect established judicial procedures.
She directed heads of courts to put administrative measures in place to ensure election-related cases are handled promptly and competently, without political interference.
On justice delivery, the CJN identified delay as a major challenge facing the judiciary, blaming poor docket management, repeated adjournments, inefficient scheduling and inadequate monitoring of pending cases.
She urged heads of courts to track case backlogs, improve hearing schedules and ensure concluded matters are promptly removed from active dockets, while warning that speed must not compromise fairness or the right to fair hearing.
The CJN also directed that judges must sit at scheduled times and promptly notify lawyers and litigants when sittings will not hold, describing as unacceptable situations where court users travel long distances at huge expense only to discover proceedings have been cancelled.
She further called for courteous treatment of lawyers and litigants irrespective of social or financial status.
On appointments, Justice Kekere-Ekun urged heads of courts to resist external pressure and ensure judicial appointments are based on merit, competence, character and suitability.
Earlier, the Administrator of the NJI, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, said the roundtable provides a platform for heads of courts to identify common challenges and develop practical solutions, while commending the CJN for reforms that have strengthened judicial independence and integrity.
