From Premium Times Nigeria · Agency Report · · 2m
CJN warns judges against political romancing
Chief Justice urges judges to avoid political ties ahead of 2027 elections.
In brief
Chief Justice urges judges to avoid political ties ahead of 2027 elections. Nigeria's Chief Justice warns judges to avoid political associations to maintain impartiality during 2027 elections. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
CJN warns judges
Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun advises judges to avoid political romancing during 2027 elections.
2026 legal year opening
CJN gave advice during Supreme Court's 2026 legal year opening in Abuja on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Judges must stay impartial
Judges should not exhibit conduct that jeopardises absolute impartiality during political disputes.
Elections create tensions
Elections generate heightened political activity and strong emotions that may lead to significant disputes.
Judicial calm required
Judges must approach disputes with calmness, detachment and fidelity to law as in all other cases.
Political scrutiny
Every word and action by judges during electoral periods will be subjected to public scrutiny.
Avoid political bias
Judges must avoid political association or conduct that creates appearance of partiality.
Judicial oath boundaries
Judges must remain within the boundaries of their oath and constitution.
Lawyers' professional duty
Lawyers must exercise professional judgement before commencing proceedings in political disputes.
Forum shopping risks
Forum shopping can result in conflicting orders and undermine judicial process.
Judicial delays
Overwhelmed courts by political disputes may delay other cases requiring timely attention.
Judicial access
Judiciary must remain available to all litigants regardless of case urgency.
Professional responsibility
Lawyers must protect judicial integrity and orderly functioning of the process.
Judicial appointments
CJN emphasizes need for public confidence in judicial officer appointment processes.
Appointment transparency
Recent appointments show structured assessment and public comment opportunities for integrity.
Public confidence
Appointment processes must avoid becoming trial by publicity or personal attacks.
Social media restraint
Judges must resist turning professional disagreements into personal attacks on social media.
Judicial dignity
Dignity of the profession is the collective responsibility of judges and lawyers.
Supreme Court performance
Supreme Court handled 2,456 matters during 2025/2026 legal year with 411 judgements delivered.
Case management progress
Court scheduled 1,385 matters for regular sittings with 733 old matters brought forward.
At a glance
Nigeria's Chief Justice warns judges to avoid political associations to maintain impartiality during 2027 elections.
