Alarming: CJN Issues Stern Warning to Judges Against Political Alignment Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has issued a stringent warning to judicial officers, urging them to maintain unwavering impartiality and steer clear of political affiliations, especially as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections. The CJN delivered this critical admonition during the flag-off of the 2026/2027 legal year of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja, an event that also marked the official commissioning of the NICN headquarters building.

Justice Kekere-Ekun underscored that judges, particularly those who may be drafted to serve on the 2027 election petition tribunals, must uphold the highest standards of conduct both on and off the bench. She emphasized that election cases are inherently charged with significant political interest and attract considerable public attention, necessitating meticulous vigilance over their conduct, relationships, and public appearances. The CJN stressed that judges would be under close scrutiny as Nigeria heads into another electoral season, reminding them that their actions and associations must not create any reasonable perception of political alignment or predisposition.

Furthermore, the CJN highlighted that judicial decisions must be firmly rooted in the constitution, applicable legislation, binding precedent, and established principles of judicial reasoning. She stated that the nature of politically sensitive assignments demands an even greater degree of impartiality, restraint, and detachment from judges. Whether presiding in their regular courts or performing tribunal duties, judges must remain acutely aware that their conduct will be meticulously scrutinized by the public.

The warning extended beyond the bench to members of the Bar. Justice Kekere-Ekun urged lawyers to also protect the integrity of the judicial process, particularly in politically sensitive litigation. She cautioned against "forum shopping" and pursuing parallel proceedings in different courts or divisions with the hope of securing a more favorable outcome. Such practices, she noted, cause considerable damage to public confidence and can expose the judiciary to avoidable embarrassment, asserting that the proper forum is determined by law, not by perceived likelihood of success before a particular judge or court.

In her message, the CJN also called for restraint in public commentary concerning judgments or judicial processes. She clarified that while the right to criticize exists, it should not extend to personal attacks on judges, deliberate misrepresentation of proceedings, or attempts to exert pressure on the court through public opinion. She advised that genuine concerns regarding judicial conduct should be channeled through appropriate institutional avenues.

Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, represented by Director of Civil Appeal, Tijani Gazali (SAN), commended the NICN for its electronic filing and service system, recognizing it as a leader in leveraging technology for justice administration in Nigeria. Fagbemi emphasized that the true value of the new headquarters building would be measured by "the quality, efficiency and fairness of the justice administered" within its walls. He acknowledged delay as an enduring challenge, especially in employment disputes, and stressed that technology must be complemented by effective case management, adequate personnel, professional discipline, and strong cooperation between the Bench and the Bar.

In his welcome address, Justice Benedict Kanyip, President of the NICN, reported significant progress in case management. He stated that the court had disposed of 2,236 cases across its divisions over the past 12 months, leading to a substantial reduction in its historic backlog. Justice Kanyip praised his colleagues' unwavering commitment to duty despite increased caseload pressure and reaffirmed the court's dedication to accessibility, professionalism, and the strategic use of innovation and technology. Following the commissioning of the new headquarters, which consolidates all Abuja judges under one roof, attention would now shift to improving the welfare of the court's judges and staff, with a hopeful plea for improved budgetary allocations.