The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned judges against romancing with political parties in the resolution of disputes that will arise in the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

Ms Kekere-Ekun, during the opening of the Supreme Court’s 2026 legal year on Monday in Abuja, warned that no judge should exhibit conduct or behaviour that jeopardises the absolute impartiality expected of them.

“Elections inevitably generate heightened political activity and strong emotions. They also bring before the courts disputes that may have significant consequences for individuals, political parties and the country.

“The judiciary must approach 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 encouraged them to exercise restraint, avoid political association or conduct that could create an appearance of partiality, and remain firmly within the boundaries imposed by their oath and the constitution.

“There is also a need for greater professional responsibility by lawyers in the institution of proceedings arising from political and electoral disputes.

“Forum shopping, whether by the deliberate choice of commencing an action in a court or division perceived to be more favourable to a particular party or by the institution of multiple proceedings seeking substantially similar reliefs, can result in 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.

“It does not augur well for our judicial system if the courts become so overwhelmed by political disputes that other cases in their dockets are consequently delayed or denied the timely attention they require.

The CJN also canvassed for adequate protection of processes leading to the appointment of judicial officers for the judiciary of Nigeria.

She said the recent appointments reflect a deliberate effort to strengthen candidate evaluation through structured assessment, professional and peer feedback, and background checks.

“Also, in the case of shortlisted candidates, there is an opportunity for members of the public to comment on their integrity and professional reputation. This process must be protected from abuse. It should never become a trial by publicity or an avenue for settling personal disagreements and professional scores.

“The same restraint is required in the wider public space, where social media is increasingly used to turn professional disagreements into personal attacks, ridicule, threats and harassment. We must resist this culture,” she said.

The CJN reiterated that the administration of justice cannot be left to anger, intimidation or trial by social media.

Ms Kekere-Ekun expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s performance in the outgoing legal year, despite the odd circumstances.

“During the 2025/2026 Legal Year, the Supreme Court handled 2,456 matters, comprising 1,179 general civil motions, 573 criminal motions, 13 Sharia-related motions and 676 appeals.

“The appeals comprised 433 general civil appeals, 212 criminal appeals, 19 political appeals, 12 Sharia appeals and 10 Originating Summons. From these matters, 411 judgments were delivered.

“Also during the preceding Legal Year, the court handled 2,280 matters and delivered 369 judgments and rulings.

“When I addressed this gathering last year, I spoke about the need for deliberate case management strategies to confront delay and the accumulation of pending matters. I am pleased to say that we can now point to concrete steps taken in furtherance of that objective,” Ms Kekere-Ekun said.

She said that between March 23 and December 27, 2026, the E-Diary Office scheduled 1,385 matters for regular sittings of the Court, comprising 1,021 motions and 364 appeals.

The CJN said that, significantly, 733 of these were old matters deliberately brought forward for hearing. In addition, 178 moribund matters were disposed of in Chambers, while 125 matters that had already been concluded were identified and removed from the active pool.

(NAN)