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2027 Elections: CJN Warns Judges Against Political Manipulation

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2 hours ago

October 26, 2026

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned judges against allowing politicians to manipulate the judiciary for undue advantage ahead of the 2027 general elections.

She specifically cautioned heads of courts against forum shopping, concealment of related cases and attempts to obtain conflicting orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction.

Kekere-Ekun gave the warning on Monday at the opening of the 2026 roundtable for heads of courts, organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.

She said election-related disputes often expose the judiciary to intense public scrutiny and pressure, urging judges to remain impartial and guided by the Constitution, the Electoral Act and relevant court rules.

The CJN also warned against the misuse of urgent applications and ex-parte orders to secure improper advantages, insisting that litigants must disclose relevant facts and respect established judicial procedures.

“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,” she said.

Kekere-Ekun urged heads of courts to ensure election-related cases are handled promptly and competently, without political interference.

The CJN also identified delays in justice delivery as a major challenge, 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.

However, she stressed that speedy justice must not compromise fairness or the right to a fair hearing.

Kekere-Ekun further directed heads of courts to ensure judges sit at scheduled times and promptly notify lawyers and litigants of cancelled sittings.

She described as unacceptable situations where court users travel long distances at considerable expense only to discover that proceedings will not hold.

She also called for courteous treatment of lawyers and litigants, regardless of their social or financial status.

On judicial appointments, the CJN urged heads of courts to resist external pressure and ensure selections are based on merit, competence, character and suitability.

She said transparent appointment processes, professional development and accountability were essential to strengthening public confidence in the judiciary.

Earlier, NJI Administrator, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, said the judiciary remained under constant public scrutiny because of its responsibility to uphold justice and the rule of law.

He described the roundtable as a platform for heads of courts to identify common challenges and develop solutions, while commending Kekere-Ekun for reforms he said had strengthened judicial independence and integrity.