2027 Polls: Don’t let politicians manipulate the law, CJN warns judges
By Ilechukwu Nnochiri, Abuja
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, issued a stern warning to judges on Monday regarding the potential manipulation of the legal system by politicians in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the opening session of the 2026 roundtable for heads of courts, organized by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, the CJN emphasized the importance of maintaining judicial integrity during this politically sensitive time.
Justice Kekere-Ekun highlighted practices such as forum shopping, concealment of related cases, and efforts to obtain conflicting orders from courts of similar jurisdiction as detrimental to the integrity of judicial proceedings. She urged court heads to remain vigilant against these practices and ensure that judges apply the law impartially, regardless of political pressures or public sentiment.
“Political sensitivity, public sentiment, or the urgency of a matter must never overshadow the careful implementation of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and relevant court rules,” Justice Kekere-Ekun stated. She called for the establishment of administrative measures to ensure the orderly and timely handling of election-related cases.
The CJN reminded the judiciary of its constitutional responsibilities, insisting that judges carefully scrutinize applications and resist attempts to secure unjust advantages through urgent applications or ex-parte orders. She stressed that no litigant should be allowed to exploit the judicial system for favorable outcomes, noting that public confidence in the judiciary will be tested during the election period.
“Incompetent handling of election-related cases could undermine public trust,” she added, urging heads of courts to provide effective leadership and ensure that cases are resolved in a timely manner while adhering strictly to the law.
Justice Kekere-Ekun acknowledged that delays within the judicial system continue to pose significant challenges, burdensome for litigants and damaging to the credibility of the justice system. She linked some delays to inadequate funding and resources, while advocating for improved administrative practices to enhance the efficiency of court proceedings.
“It is crucial that heads of courts have a clear understanding of their dockets, including the number of pending cases, their ages, and categories facing the most significant delays,” she advised. This information is essential to devise realistic strategies for reducing case backlogs and ensuring swift resolution of matters.
Additionally, the CJN emphasized the importance of maintaining a fair and transparent selection process for judicial appointments, urging court heads to resist external pressures and adhere to objective criteria when appointing judges. “Public confidence in the judiciary is bolstered when appointments are based on competence and integrity,” she remarked.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also addressed courtroom conduct, advocating for an environment of respect and dignity for all litigants and legal counsel. She stressed that judges should ensure timely court sessions, providing proper notification of cancellations and addressing punctuality issues among court staff.
In remarks preceding the CJN’s address, NJI Administrator Justice Babatunde Adejumo underscored the judiciary’s role as the custodian of justice and the rule of law, highlighting the public scrutiny it faces. He emphasized the need for constant vigilance to maintain the judiciary’s reputation and foster public trust. The annual roundtable serves as a forum for open dialogue among court leaders to identify challenges and collaboratively develop solutions. Justice Adejumo commended Justice Kekere-Ekun for her reforms that have strengthened judicial independence and integrity throughout the system.
