RismadarVoice Reporters
October 12, 2026
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned judges and legal practitioners against political interference, judicial bias and abuse of court processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kekere-Ekun issued the warning at a special session of the Supreme Court in Abuja to mark the commencement of the 2026/2027 legal year.
She stressed that the judiciary must remain independent, impartial and committed to constitutional principles when handling political and electoral disputes.
According to the CJN, election-related litigation frequently attracts intense public attention and political pressure, making it essential for judicial officers to demonstrate fairness, integrity and professionalism throughout proceedings.
She warned judges against engaging in political associations or activities capable of compromising their independence or creating reasonable perceptions of bias.
Kekere-Ekun maintained that judicial decisions must be based strictly on the law, evidence presented before the courts and the constitutional responsibilities of judicial officers.
The CJN also expressed concern over forum shopping, a practice in which litigants approach particular courts in anticipation of favourable decisions.
She warned that filing multiple cases involving substantially similar issues before different courts could produce conflicting orders, complicate judicial proceedings and weaken public confidence in the justice system.
Kekere-Ekun consequently urged legal practitioners to exercise professional judgment when initiating political cases, particularly where similar matters were already pending before other courts.
She emphasised that lawyers have a responsibility to protect the integrity of judicial proceedings rather than encourage litigation practices capable of undermining the administration of justice.
The Chief Justice further raised concerns about the increasing volume of political litigation and its implications for the timely determination of other cases.
She observed that electoral disputes, although often subject to strict constitutional and statutory timelines, should not prevent courts from attending to other legitimate matters requiring judicial intervention.
According to her, the judiciary must ensure that access to justice remains available to all citizens, irrespective of the political significance or public prominence of individual cases.
Kekere-Ekun called on judges and lawyers to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct as political activities intensify ahead of the next general elections.
She reiterated that public confidence in the judiciary depends on the consistent application of the law, respect for due process and the impartial administration of justice.
