The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday swore in 375 judicial officers as members of the Election Petition Tribunals ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning them against political pressure and intimidation.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Body of Benchers Auditorium in Abuja. It coincided with the launch of the second edition of the Judicial Electoral Manual and the opening of a specialised capacity-building workshop for judicial officers.
Addressing the newly inaugurated tribunal members, Kekere-Ekun urged them to uphold judicial independence, resist political interference and administer justice without fear or favour.
“The judicial process is not a continuation of the electoral campaign by other means,” she declared, stressing that election petitions must be decided strictly on the basis of evidence and applicable laws, rather than political pressure, public sentiment or the popularity of candidates.
She warned lawyers, political parties, media organisations and members of the public against unethical practices capable of undermining the judicial process.
The CJN specifically cautioned against the abuse of ex parte applications, filing of multiple suits seeking conflicting court orders, and online campaigns designed to prejudge cases or intimidate judicial officers.
“The public airing of allegations, pronouncements on the merits of pending cases or attempts to prejudge judicial outcomes can create unnecessary tension and undermine public confidence in the administration of justice,” she said.
She also warned judges against compromising fair hearing in their bid to deliver speedy justice.
“The urgency of these matters, however, must never become an excuse for compromising the right of any party to a fair hearing,” Kekere-Ekun said, stressing that statutory and constitutional timelines governing election petitions left no room for trial delays or poor case management.
She also urged judges to prepare for complex digital evidence, including possible AI-generated deepfakes, citing BVAS and IReV as technological tools that support electoral transparency.
The CJN confirmed that the presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections were scheduled for February 6, 2027.
Also speaking at the event, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, disclosed that 375 judicial officers had been nominated to serve on the election tribunals.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, said election petition tribunals remained essential to resolving political disputes and maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.
Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described the early inauguration of the tribunal members as evidence of the judiciary’s preparedness to ensure transparent and effective resolution of post-election disputes.
