Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday cautioned judges against practices that could undermine the integrity of judicial proceedings as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Justice Kekere-Ekun spoke during the opening session of “the 2026 roundtable for heads of courts,” organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.
She identified such practices to include forum shopping, concealment of related proceedings and attempts to obtain conflicting orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction.
The CJN said the issues require particular attention as the country approaches another election season, noting that election-related disputes often attract intense public interest and considerable pressure on the courts.
“The judiciary must be prepared to discharge its constitutional responsibilities with impartiality, courage and fidelity to the law.
“Political sensitivity, public sentiment or the urgency with which a matter is presented must never displace the careful application of the constitution, the Electoral Act and the applicable rules of court.
“I urge your lordships to ensure that appropriate administrative
arrangements are in place to facilitate the timely and orderly handling of election-related matters,” she said.
According to CJN, judicial officers must be reminded of the need to scrutinise applications carefully, insist on full and frank disclosure of relevant facts, pay due regard to related proceedings and resist any attempt to use urgent applications or ex-parte orders to secure an improper advantage.
“The integrity of judicial proceedings must not be compromised by competing political interests or pressure from any quarter.
“Forum shopping is particularly damaging because it undermines consistency, encourages abuse of process and exposes the Judiciary to avoidable public controversy.
“Your lordships must therefore ensure that existing procedural safeguards are observed and that appropriate steps are taken whenever attempts to circumvent established judicial processes come to light.
“No litigant should be permitted to manipulate the judicial system in search of a favourable decision.
“Public confidence in the judiciary will be tested during this period,” she said.
Kerere-Ekun reminded the heads of courts to provide the leadership necessary to ensure that election-related cases are handled competently, expeditiously and strictly in accordance with the law.
She said the objective is to ensure that the courts remained impartial arbiters of disputes, free from political influence and guided solely by the facts, the applicable law and the demands of justice.
She also spoke on the need for judges to always ensure prompt determination of cases, noting that the timely determination of cases remains one of the most pressing challenges confronting the judiciary.
She said delay imposes financial and emotional burdens on litigants, diminishes the practical value of judicial remedies and weakens public confidence in the justice system.
On courtroom conduct, she said judicial authority is best exercised with “fairness, composure and respect.
“Every litigant, regardless of social status, financial means or education, deserves dignity, while lawyers are entitled to courteous treatment.
“Firmness and courtesy are entirely compatible. A judge can control proceedings without humiliating counsel or a litigant,” she said.
Speaking earlier, the Administrator of the (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo (rtd.), said the judiciary, as custodian of justice and guardian of the rule of law, is under constant public scrutiny, placing a heavy responsibility on those steering its affairs to safeguard its image and shape positive public perceptions.
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Justice Adejumo, who is the immediate past President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), said the annual roundtable provides a platform for candid exchange, identifying cross-cutting challenges and collectively developing solutions.
He added that the programme was deliberately designed with minimal external intervention so that the Heads of courts would direct discussions and determine outcomes.
Justice Adejumo praised the CJN for the many reforms she had introduced, which he said had entrenched judicial independence and enhanced integrity across all levels of the judiciary.(NAN)
