Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun urges tribunal members to uphold impartiality, reject intimidation and decide election disputes strictly on evidence and the law.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in 375 judicial officers nominated to serve on the 2027 Election Petition Tribunals, as the judiciary steps up preparations for legal disputes that may follow the next general elections.

The swearing-in ceremony was held on Monday at the Body of Benchers Auditorium in Abuja, bringing together judicial officers selected to handle election-related cases arising from the 2027 polls.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, disclosed that 375 judicial officers had been nominated for the tribunals.

She explained that the figure comprises 138 returning members and 237 newly nominated judges.

In her address, Kekere-Ekun issued a strong warning to politicians, lawyers, public officials and social media users against attempting to influence judicial proceedings through political pressure, intimidation or public campaigns.

The CJN emphasised that election petition tribunals must remain independent and focused on their constitutional responsibilities, insisting that disputes arising from the elections must be determined strictly on the strength of evidence, court processes and applicable laws.

She cautioned that the courtroom must not become an extension of political campaigns, stressing that popularity, public sentiment and pressure from influential individuals must never replace the legal standards required to establish an election petition.

Kekere-Ekun also expressed concern over the practice of filing multiple lawsuits on identical issues, as well as the emergence of conflicting court orders capable of undermining public confidence in the judicial system.

She urged tribunal members to resist every attempt to intimidate or compromise them, reminding them of the enormous responsibility entrusted to the judiciary in protecting the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process.

The CJN further charged the judges to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, fairness and impartiality while ensuring that election petitions are determined within the timelines prescribed by the Constitution.

The 2027 general elections are scheduled to begin with the Presidential and National Assembly polls on January 16, 2027.

Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will follow on February 6, 2027.

With the nomination and inauguration of the tribunal members, the judiciary is positioning itself for the legal challenges that could emerge from the elections, particularly in a political environment where electoral outcomes often generate intense disputes.

The conduct of the tribunals will be closely watched, given the critical role they play in resolving electoral disagreements and strengthening public confidence in Nigeria's democratic process.

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