2027: CJN swears in tribunal judges, warns against political pressure

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned lawyers, political parties and media organisations against attempts to intimidate judicial officers or influence election petition proceedings ahead of the 2027 general elections.

She gave the warning in Abuja while inaugurating newly nominated members of the Election Petition Tribunals for the 2027 general elections, urging the judges to uphold judicial independence and administer justice without fear or favour.

The ceremony, held at the Body of Benchers Auditorium, also featured the launch of the second edition of the Judicial Electoral Manual and a specialised capacity-building workshop for judicial officers.

Kekere-Ekun charged the newly inaugurated tribunal members to remain faithful to their judicial oaths and resist external political pressures as they prepare to handle disputes arising from the forthcoming elections.

She emphasised the importance of impartiality, professionalism and strict adherence to the law in resolving electoral disputes, noting that the credibility of the judicial process was critical to safeguarding Nigeria's democracy.

The CJN also identified key dates for the 2027 elections, stating that the presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on January 16, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections were scheduled for February 6, 2027.

She cautioned legal practitioners, political parties, media organisations and members of the public against unethical practices, including the abuse of ex parte applications and online media campaigns designed to prejudge cases or intimidate judges.

The CJN stressed that attempts to influence judicial proceedings outside the courtroom could undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.

Also speaking, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, described the workshop as an opportunity for judicial officers to deepen their understanding of developments in electoral jurisprudence and improve their capacity to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

Fagbemi said continuous judicial education remained essential to maintaining excellence in the justice system, particularly as election law and practice continued to evolve.

He said the training would equip participants with the knowledge required to address emerging legal issues and handle election-related disputes effectively.

The Attorney General stressed the importance of strengthening the judiciary's capacity to respond to the complexities associated with electoral litigation.

On its part, the Independent National Electoral Commission said effective collaboration between electoral management and judicial institutions was necessary to ensure credible elections and peaceful resolution of disputes.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, who attended the three-day workshop for justices and tribunal members in Abuja, described election petition tribunals as critical institutions for preserving democratic stability.

He said the tribunals served as constitutional safety valves for resolving electoral disagreements, reducing political tensions and strengthening public confidence in the rule of law.

Amupitan emphasised that the relationship between electoral administration and judicial adjudication was essential to maintaining trust in the electoral process.

He also drew attention to the growing complexities of election litigation, particularly the intersection of modern voting technology and emerging digital threats ahead of the 2027 polls.

The workshop is expected to strengthen the capacity of judges and tribunal members to handle election petitions, understand emerging electoral issues and deliver justice in accordance with the law.

The inauguration and training come as Nigeria prepares for another general election cycle, with the judiciary expected to play a major role in resolving disputes arising from the conduct and outcomes of the polls.