Nigeria's Chief Justice, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has issued a crucial warning to the judicial arm of government, emphasising the urgent need to protect its credibility as the nation gears up for the 2027 general elections.
A Call for Judicial Integrity and Stability
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 and 2026 legal year of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, December 15, the CJN stated that public confidence in the courts would be fundamental to national stability during the forthcoming electoral season. She highlighted that the judiciary would once again be required to act as a stabilising and balancing force within the democratic process.
Justice Kekere-Ekun pointed out that disputes arising before and after elections are often laden with political tension. She insisted that such cases must be resolved with discipline, consistency, and strict adherence to constitutional and statutory timelines. She cautioned that inconsistent rulings and unnecessary delays could exacerbate uncertainty and undermine social peace during these sensitive periods.
"As we look ahead to the 2027 general elections, the judiciary will once again be called upon to play a stabilising national role," she declared. "The nation looks to the courts for clarity and balance at such critical moments."
Pushing for Digital Transformation in Court Processes
Beyond calls for integrity, the Chief Justice advocated for a significant overhaul in judicial administration through technological advancement. She championed the centralisation and digitisation of court processes as a vital step towards reducing confusion and improving overall efficiency.
According to her, modern digital systems would prevent the disorderly posting of court notices and ensure that judges, lawyers, litigants, and the public all receive uniform and accurate information in a timely manner. This move, she argued, is essential for enhancing professionalism and accessibility within the justice system.
"These systems promote dignity, efficiency, accessibility, and institutional coherence, which are values that must define the modern Nigerian judiciary," Justice Kekere-Ekun asserted.
Preparing for the Electoral Cycle
In her concluding remarks, the CJN urged all judicial officers to uphold the highest standards of their profession as the courts prepare for the increased workload and intense scrutiny that typically accompany election cycles. She reminded them that while they must act within the confines of the law, they must also remain acutely conscious of their broader responsibility to Nigerian society.
The event, which also doubled as the court’s 41st judges’ conference, served as a platform to set the tone for the judiciary's preparatory journey towards the 2027 polls. The call for reform and steadfastness underscores the pivotal role the courts are expected to play in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
