Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has warned judges to avoid political associations and conduct that could raise doubts about their impartiality ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the opening of the Supreme Court’s 2026 Legal Year in Abuja, she stressed that election-related disputes must be decided strictly according to the law and the Constitution.
Kekere-Ekun also cautioned lawyers against forum shopping and filing related cases in multiple courts, warning that such practices could result in conflicting orders and weaken public confidence in the judiciary. She urged legal practitioners to handle electoral disputes responsibly and condemned the use of social media to threaten or harass judges, lawyers and court staff.
Reviewing the Supreme Court’s performance during the 2025/2026 Legal Year, the CJN said the court handled 2,456 matters and delivered 411 judgments. She highlighted efforts to reduce case backlogs through improved scheduling and case management, while calling for transparent judicial appointments and stronger protection of the integrity of the justice system.
