The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned judges to steer clear of political parties in resolving disputes arising from the 2027 general elections, which are scheduled for January next year.
She said no judge should, on any account, behave in a manner that jeopardises the absolute impartiality expected of the Bench.
Justice Kekere-Ekun spoke on Monday in Abuja at the ceremony marking the 2026/2027 legal year of the Supreme Court.
“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.”
She said the Judiciary must handle such matters with the same calmness, detachment and fidelity to the law that it brings to every other dispute.
“Judicial officers must remain conscious that every word they speak and every action they take during an electoral period will be subjected to scrutiny,” she said.
She urged them to exercise restraint, avoid political association or conduct capable of creating an appearance of partiality, and remain within the boundaries set by their oath and the Constitution.
The CJN also called for greater professional responsibility from lawyers in filing political and electoral cases.
She said forum shopping, whether by choosing a court or division perceived to be more favourable or by filing multiple suits seeking substantially similar reliefs, can produce conflicting orders, undermine orderly judicial process and expose the Judiciary to avoidable embarrassment.
“It can also create the unfortunate impression that parties are seeking not justice according to law but a particular outcome from a particular court,” she said.
She added that it does not augur well for the justice system if courts become so overwhelmed by political disputes that other cases are delayed or denied timely attention.
“The Judiciary must remain available to all litigants, and the urgency or public prominence of political litigation should not come at the expense of other legitimate claims awaiting determination,” she said.
Counsel, she said, owe the court full candour about related proceedings and respect for the jurisdiction and processes of other courts.
“The responsibility of counsel extends beyond securing an immediate advantage for a client; it includes a duty to protect the integrity and orderly functioning of the judicial process,” she said.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also called for adequate protection of the process of appointing judicial officers, which she described as one of the most consequential responsibilities of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Federal Judicial Service Commission.
“A Judge does not merely occupy an office; he or she carries the authority of the Constitution and the confidence of the people,” she said. “For that reason, the processes through which judicial officers are selected must command public confidence.”
She said recent appointments reflected a deliberate effort to strengthen the evaluation of candidates through structured assessment, professional and peer feedback, and background checks. Shortlisted candidates are also open to public comment on their integrity and professional reputation.
She warned that the process must be protected from abuse and should never become a trial by publicity or a platform for settling personal scores.
The CJN condemned the growing use of social media to turn professional disagreements into personal attacks, ridicule, threats and harassment.
“We must resist this culture,” she said. “There are proper channels for criticising judgments, reporting professional misconduct and complaining about the conduct of judicial officers or legal practitioners.”
She said the administration of justice cannot be left to “anger, intimidation or trial by social media.”
“A Judge should be able to decide according to law without fear of personal retaliation,” she said.
“A lawyer should be able to make a legitimate submission without being subjected to intimidation. A member of staff should be able to perform his or her duties without harassment. The dignity of the profession is the collective responsibility of the Bench and the Bar.”
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