2027: CJN Swears In Tribunal Judges, Warns Against Political Interference

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in 375 judicial officers appointed to serve on the 2027 Election Petition Tribunals, warning them against political interference, intimidation and other attempts to compromise their independence.

Kekere-Ekun gave the warning on Monday, November 9, 2026, during the inauguration ceremony held at the Body of Benchers Auditorium in Abuja.

The ceremony coincided with a three-day capacity-building workshop for judges and tribunal members organised by the Court of Appeal, as well as the presentation of the second edition of the Judicial Electoral Manual.

Addressing the newly inaugurated tribunal members, the CJN urged them to uphold their judicial oaths and ensure that election-related disputes were determined strictly according to the law and evidence presented before them.

She cautioned judicial officers against allowing political interests, public opinion or pressure from influential individuals to influence their decisions.

Kekere-Ekun also warned lawyers against filing multiple suits on the same subject, seeking conflicting court orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction and abusing ex parte applications to gain tactical advantages in election disputes.

She extended the warning to political parties, candidates, public officials and media organisations, urging them to avoid public statements and online campaigns capable of prejudging pending cases or intimidating judicial officers.

According to her, the urgency of election petitions must not become an excuse for compromising the right of any party to a fair hearing.

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, disclosed that 375 judicial officers had been nominated to serve on the tribunals across the country. Of the total, 138 are returning members with previous tribunal experience, while 237 are newly nominated.

She urged the judges to resist political pressure, inducement and personal relationships that could undermine their independence.

Also speaking, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, called on the Nigerian Bar Association to develop ethical guidelines for lawyers handling election-related cases.

Meanwhile, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, highlighted emerging challenges in electoral litigation, particularly electronic transmission of results, digital evidence and artificial intelligence-generated misinformation.

He warned that deepfake videos, fabricated audio recordings and manipulated election materials could complicate proceedings before the tribunals.

The CJN also confirmed that the presidential and National Assembly elections would hold on January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

The tribunals are expected to adjudicate disputes arising from the forthcoming elections and play a critical role in resolving electoral disagreements within the constitutional framework.