Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned judges against political associations and conduct capable of casting doubt on their impartiality as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
She also cautioned lawyers against forum shopping and filing multiple suits to secure favourable court orders, warning that such practices could undermine public confidence in the judiciary during a politically sensitive period.
Kekere-Ekun gave the warnings on Monday at the opening of the 2026 Legal Year of the Supreme Court in Abuja.
She said election disputes inevitably generate intense political activity and emotions, placing enormous responsibility on judges who must resolve cases with far-reaching consequences for political parties, candidates and the country.
The CJN urged judicial officers to remain calm, detached and guided strictly by the law, warning that their words and actions would face intense scrutiny during the electoral period.
She stressed that judges must avoid political associations and other conduct that could create even the appearance of bias.
Turning to lawyers, Kekere-Ekun condemned the practice of filing cases in courts perceived to favour a particular party or instituting multiple suits seeking similar reliefs.
She said such practices could generate conflicting orders, disrupt judicial proceedings and embarrass the judiciary.
According to her, forum shopping creates the impression that litigants are pursuing preferred outcomes from particular courts rather than seeking justice through established legal processes.
She warned that political litigation must not overwhelm the courts or prevent other litigants from accessing timely justice.
The CJN also urged lawyers to disclose related proceedings fully and respect the jurisdiction of other courts, stressing that their professional obligations extend beyond securing immediate advantages for clients.
Kekere-Ekun also defended the integrity of judicial appointments, describing the selection of judicial officers as one of the most consequential responsibilities of the National Judicial Council and the Federal Judicial Service Commission.
She said recent appointments had incorporated structured assessments, peer feedback, background checks and public comments on shortlisted candidates to strengthen the vetting process.
However, she warned against attempts to manipulate the process, stressing that it must not become a platform for trial by publicity or settling personal scores.
She also condemned the use of social media to turn professional disagreements into personal attacks, threats and harassment.
The CJN urged those dissatisfied with judicial decisions or the conduct of judicial officers to pursue appropriate channels for redress.
Providing an overview of the court’s performance, Kekere-Ekun said the Supreme Court handled 2,456 matters during the 2025/2026 Legal Year, compared with 2,280 in the preceding year.
The matters comprised 1,179 general civil motions, 573 criminal motions, 13 Sharia-related motions and 676 appeals.
She said the court delivered 411 judgments during the period, compared with 369 judgments and rulings in the previous legal year.
The Supreme Court’s E-Diary Office also scheduled 1,385 matters for regular sittings, comprising 1,021 motions and 364 appeals.
Of these, 733 were older cases deliberately brought forward for attention, while 178 moribund matters were disposed of in chambers.
Another 125 concluded matters were removed from the active caseload.
The CJN’s warning comes as political parties and prospective candidates prepare for the 2027 elections, a period expected to generate legal contests over party primaries, candidate eligibility and electoral outcomes.