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Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Monday warned against romancing political parties in the resolution of disputes that will arise in the conduct of the elections scheduled for January next year.
Kekere-Ekun, who gave the warning in Abuja said on no account should any judge exhibit conduct or behaviour that can jeopardise absolute impartiality expected of them.
The CJN stated this on the occasion of the 2026 legal year of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and swearing-in- ceremony of 68 legal practitioners, who were conference with the honour of a Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).
The swearing-in- ceremony marked the official kick- off of the 2026/2027 legal year.
The nomination of the new silk’s name had earlier been approved by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) a few months ago.
The new SANs comprise 67 advocates and one academic, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri.
The CJN noted at the ceremony that elections inevitably generate heightened political activity and strong emotions.
She said they also bring before the courts disputes that may have significant consequences for individuals, political
parties and the country.
Kekere-Ekun said: “The Judiciary must approach such matters with the same calmness, detachment and fidelity to the law that it brings to every other disputes.
“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,”
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