Nigeria’s Judiciary Begins Preparations For 2027 Election Petitions As CJN Inaugurates Judges

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in judges who will be responsible for handling petitions arising from the 2027 general elections.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday at the Body of Benchers Auditorium in Abuja and coincided with the launch of the second edition of the Judicial Electoral Manual and a specialised capacity-building workshop for the judges.

During the event, Kekere-Ekun charged the judges to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, independence and professionalism, urging them to administer justice without fear, favour, pressure or intimidation.

She emphasised that the statutory and constitutional timelines guiding the determination of election petitions were strict, warning that delays and poor case management could undermine the electoral justice process.

The CJN also called on legal practitioners, political parties, media organisations and members of the public to avoid unethical conduct, including the abuse of ex parte applications and online campaigns designed to influence pending cases or intimidate judicial officers.

According to her, protecting Nigeria’s democracy requires the collective commitment of all institutions and stakeholders involved in the electoral process.

Kekere-Ekun further stressed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and members of the legal profession must perform their statutory responsibilities conscientiously and without bias.

She maintained that the judiciary’s primary responsibility was to resolve electoral disputes strictly in accordance with the law and the evidence presented before the courts.

The development comes as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, with the presidential and National Assembly polls scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are expected to take place on February 6, 2027.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the inauguration of the judges marks an important step in preparations for the judicial handling of electoral disputes, with the CJN urging all stakeholders to respect the rule of law and protect the credibility of the democratic process.