CJN Kekere-Ekun Urges Judges to Stay Impartial for 2027 Elections

On October 8, 2026, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, issued a warning to judges who may serve on election petition tribunals for the upcoming 2027 general elections. Speaking at the opening of the 2026/2027 legal year of the National Industrial Court in Abuja, she emphasized the importance of maintaining strict impartiality and avoiding political involvement.

Kekere-Ekun noted that some judges from the Industrial Court could be appointed to these tribunals under the constitutional and legal framework governing the elections. She highlighted that election disputes attract significant political interest and public scrutiny, necessitating that judges be mindful of their conduct and public appearances.

The CJN stressed the need for judges to uphold judicial independence and ensure their decisions are based on the law, not political considerations, to maintain public confidence in the judiciary's integrity and credibility.