CJN Kekere-Ekun Urges Judges to Maintain Impartiality

On October 7, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, cautioned judges who may serve on election petition tribunals for the 2027 elections to uphold strict impartiality and avoid any conduct that could suggest political bias. This warning was issued during the flag-off ceremony for the 2026/2027 legal year of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja.

Justice Kekere-Ekun indicated that judges from the NICN might be called to serve on these tribunals, which handle politically sensitive disputes that attract significant public attention. She emphasized the importance of judges being aware of their conduct and public engagements, as their actions would be closely monitored during the electoral season.

The CJN also highlighted the need for restraint in public commentary regarding judicial processes and urged lawyers to avoid filing similar cases in different courts to manipulate the judicial process.