Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned judges who may serve on election petition tribunals during the 2027 general elections to maintain strict impartiality and steer clear of partisan political activities.
The CJN issued the warning on Wednesday while speaking at the opening of the 2026/2027 legal year of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja.
Kekere-Ekun stressed the need for judicial officers handling electoral disputes to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary by ensuring that their decisions are guided strictly by the law and evidence before them.
She cautioned judges against allowing political interests or external pressures to influence their conduct, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
The warning comes as political activities and preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum across the country, with election-related litigation expected to form a significant part of the post-election legal process.
Election petition tribunals play a critical role in resolving disputes arising from electoral contests, making the impartiality of judicial officers central to public confidence in the electoral justice system.
The CJN’s admonition therefore places judges who may be assigned to election tribunals on notice that their conduct both inside and outside the courtroom will be closely scrutinised.
She urged judicial officers to remain faithful to their constitutional responsibilities and protect the credibility of the judiciary by avoiding any conduct capable of creating an impression of political allegiance.
