Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned judges against allowing politicians to manipulate the courts ahead of the 2027 general elections, cautioning that conflicting rulings and abuse of judicial processes could undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
She specifically warned judicial officers against forum shopping, concealment of related court proceedings and the use of urgent applications to obtain favourable orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction.
Kekere-Ekun gave the warning on Monday at the opening of the 2026 Roundtable for Heads of Courts, organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.
With political activities gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 polls, the CJN urged heads of courts to strengthen administrative safeguards to ensure that election-related disputes are handled impartially, promptly and strictly in accordance with the law.
She said political sensitivity, public pressure and the urgency attached to a case must not override the Constitution, the Electoral Act or established court procedures.
“ No litigant should be permitted to manipulate the judicial system in search of a favourable decision,” she warned, adding that public confidence in the judiciary would be tested during the election period.
The CJN said heads of courts must ensure that judges scrutinise applications carefully, demand full disclosure of relevant facts and consider related proceedings before granting orders, particularly in urgent or ex-parte applications.
She described forum shopping as a damaging practice that encourages abuse of court processes, creates inconsistencies and exposes the judiciary to avoidable controversy.
Kekere-Ekun also called for effective coordination in the administration of election cases, urging judicial leaders to ensure that such disputes are resolved without unnecessary delays while protecting the right of every party to a fair hearing.
Beyond election litigation, she identified delays in the justice system as a major challenge, noting that prolonged proceedings impose financial and emotional burdens on litigants and weaken confidence in judicial remedies.
She urged heads of courts to improve docket management, reduce unnecessary adjournments, monitor inactive cases and ensure that concluded matters are promptly removed from active dockets.
However, she cautioned that judicial efficiency should not be measured solely by the number of cases disposed of, stressing that cases must be determined fairly, competently and within a reasonable time.
The CJN also warned against external interference in judicial appointments, insisting that the selection of judicial officers must be transparent, merit-based and guided by competence, character and suitability for office.
According to her, judicial leaders have a responsibility to protect professional standards, promote accountability and foster an institutional culture that upholds impartiality.
She further directed heads of courts to ensure that judges begin sittings on time and promptly notify lawyers and litigants whenever hearings are cancelled.
Kekere-Ekun described as unacceptable situations in which litigants and lawyers travel long distances at considerable expense, only to discover that the court will not sit.
On courtroom conduct, she urged judges to exercise authority with fairness, composure and respect, regardless of the social status or financial means of those appearing before them.
She maintained that judicial firmness was compatible with courtesy and that judges could maintain order without humiliating lawyers or litigants.
Her warning comes as preparations for the 2027 general elections are expected to generate disputes over party primaries, candidate nominations and other electoral processes, placing the judiciary under renewed public scrutiny.
The CJN’s message was that courts must remain impartial arbiters of disputes and resist attempts by political interests to turn judicial procedures into instruments for securing electoral advantages.