CJN Kekere-Ekun Urges Judges to Avoid Political Ties

On October 12, 2026, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), warned judges against any political affiliations as the country prepares for the January 2027 general elections. This warning was issued during the 2026 legal year ceremony of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in Abuja, where 68 legal practitioners were sworn in as Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), including Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri.

Justice Kekere-Ekun stressed that judges must maintain absolute impartiality, particularly during elections, which often lead to heightened political activity and disputes. She urged judicial officers to avoid any conduct that could appear biased and to adhere strictly to their constitutional duties.

The CJN also highlighted the importance of professional responsibility among lawyers in handling political and electoral disputes, warning against forum shopping that could lead to conflicting court orders and undermine the judicial process.