The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudira Kekere-Ekun, has sworn in members of the Election Petition Tribunals for the 2027 General Elections.
The ceremony took place today at the Body of Benchers Auditorium in Abuja.
The even also coincided with the launch of the second edition of the Judicial Electoral Manual and a specialised capacity-building workshop.
The CJN charged judicial officers to adhere strictly to their oaths, withstand external political pressures, and administer justice without fear or favour as the nation prepares for another major electoral cycle.
Nigeria’s Presidential and National Assembly Elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, followed by the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections on February 6, 2027.
Addressing the tribunal judges, the Chief Justice emphasized that statutory and constitutional adjudication timelines leave no room for trial delays or lax case management.
The CJN warned legal practitioners, political parties, media organizations, and the public to desist from unethical tactics, ex parte abuse, and online media campaigns aimed at prejudging cases or intimidating judicial officers.
Emphasising that democratic integrity relies on collective responsibility, Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that while the electoral commission, security forces, and the Bar must carry out their statutory duties conscientiously, the Judiciary’s sole duty remains resolving disputes strictly according to the law and the evidence.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said sound judicial adjudication is critical to its operational success.
Speaking at the three-day workshop for justices and tribunal members in Abuja, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, said that the election petition tribunals serve as the ultimate constitutional safety valves required to de-escalate political friction and secure public trust under the Rule of Law.
Addressing the evolving complexities of electoral litigation, INEC highlighted the critical intersection between modern voting technology and emerging digital threats ahead of the polls.
He said while systems like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) continue to enhance transparency, the judiciary must navigate sophisticated digital challenges, including AI-generated deep fakes, among others, to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
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