2027: CJN cautions judges, lawyers over political cases

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned judges against forming alliances with political parties while resolving disputes that may arise during the 2027 general elections, scheduled for January next year. She emphasized during a ceremony marking the beginning of the 2026 Legal Year at the Supreme Court of Nigeria that judges must maintain absolute impartiality and refrain from any behavior that could jeopardize their neutrality.

Kekere-Ekun highlighted that elections often generate heightened political activity and strong emotions, leading to disputes with significant consequences for individuals, political parties, and the country. She stressed that judicial officers must remain conscious that every word and action during the electoral period will be scrutinized. Judges should exercise restraint, avoid any political association or conduct that could create an appearance of partiality, and strictly adhere to their oath and the Constitution.

Furthermore, she called for greater professional responsibility among lawyers in handling proceedings arising from political and electoral disputes. Tactics such as forum shopping, whether by choosing a court or division perceived as more favorable to a particular party or by filing multiple proceedings with substantially similar claims, can result in conflicting orders, undermine the orderly judicial process, and expose the judiciary to unnecessary embarrassment.

Such actions can also give the impression that parties are seeking a specific outcome from a specific court instead of justice based on the law.

The Chief Justice also expressed concern over the potential impact on the judicial system if courts become overwhelmed with political disputes, causing delays or hindering the timely determination of other cases. She urged counsel to exercise professional judgment before initiating proceedings, especially when related cases are already pending in another court.

Lawyers must be truthful about the existence of related proceedings and respect the jurisdiction and processes of other courts, prioritizing the integrity and orderly functioning of the judicial system.

Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the importance of adequate protection of processes leading to the appointment of judicial officers, which is one of the most consequential responsibilities of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC). She emphasized that the processes for selecting judicial officers must command public confidence, noting the recent efforts to strengthen candidate evaluation through structured assessments, professional and peer feedback, background checks, and public comment on integrity and professional reputation.

The procedures should not become a platform for personal disputes or retaliation in the public sphere, particularly on social media. The Chief Justice urged everyone to uphold proper channels for criticizing judgments, reporting misconduct, and addressing professional behavior, emphasizing that the dignity of the profession is a collective responsibility of the Bench and Bar.