CJN Kekere-Ekun Urges Judges to Maintain Impartiality

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, addressed judicial officers during the opening session of the 2026 roundtable for heads of courts organized by the National Judicial Institute (NJI). She emphasized the need for caution in handling political cases as the 2027 general election approaches.

Justice Kekere-Ekun discouraged practices such as forum shopping and obtaining conflicting orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction. She highlighted the judiciary's responsibility to maintain impartiality and fidelity to the law, especially under public scrutiny during election-related disputes.

The CJN urged judges to ensure proper administrative arrangements for timely handling of election matters and to scrutinize applications thoroughly. She warned against compromising judicial integrity due to political pressures and emphasized that no litigant should manipulate the judicial system for favorable outcomes.

Justice Babatunde Adejumo, the NJI Administrator, reiterated the judiciary's role as a guardian of the rule of law.