2027 Elections: CJN Warns Tribunal Judges Against Political Bias

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned judges who may serve on the 2027 election petition tribunals to remain impartial and avoid conduct that could create the perception of political alignment.

Kekere-Ekun gave the warning on Wednesday during the flag-off of the 2026/2027 legal year of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja.

She said some judges of the Industrial Court could be called upon, under the relevant constitutional and legal framework, to serve on election petition tribunals as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The CJN stressed that election disputes are politically sensitive and attract significant public attention, making impartiality, restraint and detachment particularly important for judges handling such cases.

“As we approach another electoral season, these responsibilities assume even greater importance,” Kekere-Ekun said, warning judges that their conduct would be closely scrutinised.

She urged judges to be mindful of their associations, public engagements and other activities, saying nothing about their conduct should create a reasonable perception of political alignment or predisposition.

The CJN also cautioned lawyers against manipulating the judicial process for partisan or strategic purposes. She warned against pursuing similar cases before different courts simply because a particular judge or court was perceived to be more likely to deliver a favourable outcome.

Kekere-Ekun said such practices could produce conflicting orders, damage public confidence and expose the judiciary to avoidable criticism. She maintained that the proper forum for a case should be determined by law rather than the perceived likelihood of success before a particular judge.

She further urged restraint in public commentary on judicial proceedings, noting that while lawyers and members of the public may criticise judgments, personal attacks, deliberate misrepresentation and attempts to pressure judges through public opinion should be avoided.

The CJN’s warning comes as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections, with election petition tribunals expected to play a key role in resolving legal disputes that may arise from the polls.