The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned judges, particularly heads of courts, against forum shopping, concealing related cases and issuing conflicting court orders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She gave the warning on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the 2026 Roundtable for Heads of Courts, organised by the National Judicial Institute.
Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that election-related disputes often attract intense public interest and pressure, urging judicial officers to remain impartial and uphold the rule of law in handling politically sensitive cases.
She stressed that political considerations, public sentiment and the urgency of applications must not take precedence over the Constitution, the Electoral Act and established judicial procedures.
The CJN also urged heads of courts to introduce appropriate administrative measures to ensure the timely and orderly handling of election-related cases.
She called on judges to scrutinise applications thoroughly, insist on full disclosure of relevant facts, consider related proceedings and guard against the misuse of urgent applications and ex parte orders to secure undue advantage.
Justice Kekere-Ekun reaffirmed the need to protect the integrity of judicial proceedings from political interests and external pressure as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
