2027: CJN swears in tribunal judges, warns against pressure

On Monday, Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun of Nigeria swore in judges for the Election Petition Tribunals in preparation for the 2027 general elections. During the inauguration in Abuja, Kekere-Ekun cautioned the judicial officers against facing political pressure and intimidation. The ceremony also marked the launch of the second edition of the Judicial Electoral Manual and a specialized training session.

Kekere-Ekun emphasized that the judges must uphold their oaths and administer justice without bias as Nigeria readies itself for another electoral cycle. She stressed the importance of adhering to statutory and constitutional timelines for election petitions, stating that there is no room for delays or poor case management.

The Chief Justice also addressed the need for legal professionals, political parties, media organizations, and the public to refrain from unethical practices, abuse of ex parte applications, and online campaigns that aim to prejudge cases or intimidate judicial officers. She stressed the collective responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, and the legal profession in protecting democracy.

Meanwhile, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, highlighted the vital role of election petition tribunals in resolving political disputes and maintaining public confidence in the electoral process. He noted that technological advancements and digital misinformation present new challenges in electoral litigation, such as the use of deepfakes and AI-generated content.

Amupitan acknowledged that the 2027 general elections will consist of presidential and National Assembly elections on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.