The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned judges against associating with political parties or engaging in conduct that could compromise their impartiality during disputes arising from the 2027 general elections.
Kekere-Ekun gave the warning on Monday in Abuja during the commencement of the 2026 Legal Year of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, stressing the need for judicial officers to uphold neutrality, professionalism and the rule of law.
She noted that election-related disputes often generate strong emotions and have significant consequences for political parties, individuals and the country.
According to the CJN, judges must avoid actions capable of creating doubts about their independence.
“Judicial officers must remain conscious that every word they speak and every action they take during an electoral period will be subjected to scrutiny,” she said.
She also cautioned lawyers against forum shopping and filing multiple cases seeking similar reliefs in different courts, warning that such practices could lead to conflicting judgments and undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
The CJN further expressed concern that excessive political litigation could delay other cases awaiting determination. She urged legal practitioners to disclose related pending proceedings and respect the jurisdiction of other courts.
On judicial appointments, Kekere-Ekun called for safeguards to protect the selection process from abuse, emphasising the importance of public confidence in the judiciary.
She also condemned the use of social media to intimidate or harass judges, lawyers and judicial staff, insisting that complaints should be addressed through appropriate channels.
“The administration of justice cannot be left to anger, intimidation or trial by social media,” she stated.
Meanwhile, the CJN disclosed that the Supreme Court handled 2,456 matters during the 2025/2026 Legal Year and delivered 411 judgments.
She said the court had also intensified efforts to reduce case backlogs, with 733 older matters prioritised for hearing. Additionally, 178 inactive cases were disposed of in chambers, while 125 concluded matters were removed from the active docket.
Kekere-Ekun maintained that judicial independence, professional responsibility and timely justice remain essential to preserving public confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
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