CJN Kekere-Ekun Urges Judges to Avoid Election Bias

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), issued a warning to judges potentially appointed to election petition tribunals to uphold strict impartiality and avoid any actions that might suggest political bias. This statement was made during the flag-off ceremony for the 2026/2027 legal year at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.

Kekere-Ekun highlighted that judges would face scrutiny in their roles, whether at the National Industrial Court or on election tribunals, and must ensure their conduct does not create a perception of political alignment. She also cautioned lawyers against duplicating court actions that could lead to conflicting judgments, which could damage public confidence in the judiciary.

Furthermore, she urged restraint in public comments about judicial proceedings, stressing that criticism should not devolve into personal attacks on judges or attempts to influence court decisions through public pressure.