The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned judges against any conduct or political association capable of compromising their impartiality as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Kekere-Ekun gave the warning on Monday in Abuja during the special session marking the commencement of the Supreme Court’s 2026/2027 legal year and the swearing-in of 68 newly appointed Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).
The CJN stressed that judicial officers must remain independent of political interests and ensure that disputes arising from the electoral process are determined strictly in accordance with the law.
She warned that judges must not engage in conduct that could undermine public confidence in the judiciary, particularly at a time when political competition is expected to intensify and election-related disputes may place the courts under heightened scrutiny.
Her warning reinforces the judiciary’s constitutional responsibility to provide an impartial forum for resolving disputes involving political parties, candidates and electoral institutions.
Electoral disputes require judicial neutrality
Election-related litigation frequently places the judiciary at the centre of politically sensitive disagreements, including disputes over party primaries, candidate eligibility, electoral procedures and the interpretation of election laws.
In such circumstances, the credibility of judicial decisions depends not only on the legal reasoning behind them but also on the public’s confidence that cases have been handled without political influence.
The CJN’s position underscores the importance of maintaining professional distance from political actors and avoiding any appearance of favouritism.
The judiciary is expected to adjudicate disputes impartially, regardless of the political standing of the parties involved or the consequences of a ruling for the electoral contest.
The warning also comes as political parties and prospective candidates begin strengthening their structures ahead of the next general elections.
68 lawyers sworn in as Senior Advocates
The Supreme Court’s legal year ceremony also featured the formal recognition of 68 legal practitioners approved for the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee.
The conferment of the rank recognises distinction in legal practice or scholarship and carries significant professional responsibilities.
The commencement of a new legal year provides an opportunity for the judiciary to reaffirm its institutional priorities, including judicial independence, professional integrity and the timely administration of justice.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, the conduct of judicial officers and the handling of electoral disputes are likely to remain central to public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.