Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun Warns Against Judicial Manipulation

Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, addressed concerns regarding the judiciary's role in the upcoming 2027 general election, warning judges against practices such as forum shopping and the concealment of related proceedings. She highlighted that the integrity of judicial proceedings must not be compromised by political interests or external pressures.

The article notes that the frequent recourse to the courts by politicians undermines democracy and the quality of judicial decisions, with some cases showing manipulation of the judicial system. Kekere-Ekun acknowledged that election-related disputes attract significant public interest and pressure on the courts.

The Independent Electoral Commission has previously reported instances of judicial manipulation, including a case involving a deceased politician who was removed from the Senate for allegedly presenting a forged NECO certificate. The judiciary's role should be to promote democratic culture and public confidence in the electoral process.