By Patrick Wemambu
Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned judges against romancing with political parties in the resolution of disputes that will arise in the conduct of the 2027 general elections scheduled for January 2027.
The CJN warned that on no account should any judge exhibit conduct or behaviour that jeopardises absolute impartiality expected of them.
Justice Kekere-Ekun issued the warning on Monday in Abuja on the occasion of the commencement of the 2026 Legal Year of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
She said, “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.
“The judiciary must approach such matters with the same calmness, detachment and fidelity to the law that it brings to every other dispute.
“Judicial officers must remain conscious that every word they speak and every action they take during an electoral period will be subjected to scrutiny.
“They must exercise restraint, avoid political association or conduct capable of creating an appearance of partiality and remain firmly within the boundaries imposed by their oath and the Constitution.
“There is also a need for greater professional responsibility by lawyers in the institution of proceedings arising from political and electoral disputes.
“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.
“It can also create the unfortunate impression that parties are seeking not justice according to law but a particular outcome from a particular court.”
