RismadarVoice Reporters
November 9, 2026
The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has inaugurated 375 judges to serve on election petition tribunals ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The inauguration took place on Monday at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja, as the judiciary intensified preparations for legal disputes that may arise from the forthcoming polls.
According to the Court of Appeal President, the judges were nominated from courts and judicial institutions across the country.
Of the 375 judicial officers, 138 have previous experience serving on election petition tribunals, while 237 are newly nominated members.
The exercise comes 68 days before the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027. Governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dongban-Mensem described the inauguration as an important step towards strengthening constitutional democracy, judicial accountability and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
She emphasised that credible elections require not only transparent voting procedures but also impartial and timely mechanisms for resolving disputes.
The appellate court president explained that election petition tribunals play a crucial role in safeguarding the electoral process by determining complaints arising from contested results.
She urged the newly inaugurated judges to demonstrate integrity, independence and professionalism while carrying out their responsibilities.
Dongban-Mensem also reminded them that their decisions would attract considerable public scrutiny, particularly in politically sensitive cases.
Under Section 285(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the President of the Court of Appeal is empowered to constitute election petition tribunals for disputes involving governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections.
The Electoral Act 2026 also contains provisions governing the constitution of tribunals and the opening of their registries.
Meanwhile, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, cautioned politicians, lawyers and other stakeholders against turning court proceedings into extensions of political contests.
She stressed the importance of respecting judicial independence and ensuring that election-related cases are handled without compromising fair hearing.
The inauguration coincided with a capacity-building programme for judicial officers involved in election dispute resolution.
The judiciary has also introduced measures to strengthen case management and improve the timely handling of electoral petitions.
With preparations for the 2027 elections advancing, the newly inaugurated tribunal members are expected to play a significant role in resolving disputes through established constitutional and legal procedures.
