2027 Polls: CJN warns judges against ‘romancing’ politicians in dispute resolution

2027 Polls: CJN warns judges against ‘romancing’ politicians in dispute resolution

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned judges against fraternising with politicians or engaging in conduct that could compromise their impartiality in resolving disputes arising from the 2027 general elections.

Kekere-Ekun gave the warning on Monday in Abuja during the opening ceremony of the Supreme Court’s 2026/2027 Legal Year, stressing that judicial officers must remain neutral and uphold the highest standards of integrity during the electioneering period.

She warned that no judge should engage in any conduct capable of undermining the absolute impartiality expected of members of the Bench.

“Elections inevitably generate heightened political activity and strong emotions. They also bring before the courts disputes that may have significant consequences for individuals, political parties and the country,” she said.

According to the CJN, the judiciary must approach electoral disputes with the same calmness, detachment and commitment to the law that it brings to other cases.

She noted that judicial officers must remain conscious that their words and actions during an electoral period would be subjected to public scrutiny.

Kekere-Ekun, therefore, urged judges to exercise restraint, avoid political associations and shun any conduct capable of creating an impression of bias.

She charged them to remain firmly within the boundaries established by their oath of office and the Constitution.

CJN cautions lawyers against forum shopping

The CJN also called for greater professional responsibility among lawyers in instituting proceedings arising from political and electoral disputes.

She warned against forum shopping, describing the practice as a threat to the orderly administration of justice.

“Forum shopping, whether by the deliberate choice of commencing an action in a court or division perceived to be more favourable to a particular party or by the institution of multiple proceedings seeking substantially similar reliefs, can result in conflicting orders, undermine orderly judicial process and expose the Judiciary to avoidable embarrassment,” she said.

Kekere-Ekun added that the practice could create the unfortunate impression that litigants were seeking favourable outcomes from particular courts rather than justice according to law.

She expressed concern that an excessive concentration of political disputes could overwhelm the courts and delay the determination of other cases awaiting judicial attention.

According to her, the urgency or public prominence of political litigation must not come at the expense of other legitimate claims.

“The judiciary must remain available to all litigants, and the urgency or public prominence of political litigation should not come at the expense of other legitimate claims awaiting determination,” she said.

The CJN urged legal practitioners to exercise sound professional judgment before commencing proceedings, particularly where related cases were already pending before another court.

She stressed that lawyers had a duty to disclose the existence of related proceedings and respect the jurisdiction and processes of other courts.

“The responsibility of counsel extends beyond securing an immediate advantage for a client; it includes a duty to protect the integrity and orderly functioning of the judicial process,” she added.

CJN seeks credible judicial appointments

Kekere-Ekun also emphasised the need to protect the integrity of the processes for appointing judicial officers in Nigeria.

She described judicial appointments as one of the most consequential responsibilities entrusted to the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).

According to her, a judge does not merely occupy a public office but also carries the authority of the Constitution and the confidence of the people.

“For that reason, the processes through which judicial officers are selected must command public confidence,” she said.

The CJN disclosed that recent appointments had reflected deliberate efforts to strengthen the evaluation of candidates through structured assessments, professional and peer feedback, background checks and opportunities for members of the public to comment on the integrity and professional reputation of shortlisted candidates.

However, she warned that the process must not be abused or turned into a platform for public trials, personal vendettas or the settlement of professional disagreements.

“This process must be protected from abuse. It should never become a trial by publicity or an avenue for settling personal disagreements and professional scores,” she said.

She also condemned the growing use of social media to turn professional disagreements into personal attacks, ridicule, threats and harassment.

The CJN urged lawyers and other stakeholders to use established channels to criticise judicial decisions, report professional misconduct and lodge complaints against judicial officers or legal practitioners.

She maintained that the administration of justice must not be subjected to anger, intimidation or trials conducted on social media.

“A judge should be able to decide according to law without fear of personal retaliation. A lawyer should be able to make a legitimate submission without being subjected to intimidation.

“A member of staff should be able to perform his or her duties without harassment. The dignity of the profession is the collective responsibility of the Bench and the Bar,” she said.

Supreme Court delivers 411 judgments

The CJN expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s performance during the 2025/2026 Legal Year, despite the challenges confronting the institution, but acknowledged that more work remained to be done.

She disclosed that the court handled 2,456 matters during the period under review, comprising 1,179 general civil motions, 573 criminal motions, 13 Sharia-related motions and 676 appeals.

According to her, the appeals comprised 433 general civil appeals, 212 criminal appeals, 19 political appeals, 12 Sharia appeals and 10 originating summons.

She said the court delivered 411 judgments during the period.

Kekere-Ekun compared the performance with that of the preceding Legal Year, when the Supreme Court handled 2,280 matters and delivered 369 judgments and rulings.

She noted, however, that the figures provided only a partial picture of the court’s performance, stressing the importance of effective case management in tackling delays and reducing the backlog of pending cases.

“When I addressed this gathering last year, I spoke about the need for deliberate case management strategies to confront delay and the accumulation of pending matters.

“I am pleased to say that we can now point to concrete steps taken in furtherance of that objective,” she said.

Supreme Court steps up case management

The CJN disclosed that the court had taken steps to improve case management and bring long-pending matters forward for hearing.

She said the court’s E-Diary Office scheduled 1,385 matters for regular sittings between March 23 and December 27, 2026, comprising 1,021 motions and 364 appeals.

Of the cases scheduled, 733 were old matters deliberately brought forward for hearing, she said.

Kekere-Ekun added that 178 moribund matters were disposed of in chambers, while 125 cases that had already been concluded were identified and removed from the active pool.

The measures, she said, formed part of efforts to improve the management of the court’s docket, reduce delays and ensure that cases received timely attention.

The CJN reiterated the need for sustained institutional reforms, professional discipline and cooperation between the Bench and the Bar to strengthen public confidence in the judiciary.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).