CJN Cautions Judges Against Political Bias, Lawyers Against Multiple Electoral Lawsuits and Forum Shopping
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned judicial officers against political associations and conduct capable of compromising their impartiality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She also cautioned lawyers against forum shopping and the filing of multiple lawsuits over the same electoral disputes, warning that such practices undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
Justice Kekere-Ekun issued the warning on Monday, October 12, during the special session marking the commencement of the Supreme Court’s 2026/2027 Legal Year in Abuja.
According to the CJN, the approaching elections will generate intense political activities and legal disputes with far-reaching implications for political parties, candidates and the country.
She stressed that judicial officers must remain independent and resist actions that could create perceptions of political bias.
“Elections inevitably generate heightened political activity and strong emotions. They also bring before the courts disputes that may have significant consequences for individuals, political parties and the country,” she said.
“The judiciary must approach such matters with the same calmness, detachment and fidelity to the law that it brings to every other dispute.”
The CJN reminded judges that their statements and conduct during election periods would attract heightened public scrutiny.
“Judicial officers must remain conscious that every word they speak and every action they take during an electoral period will be subjected to scrutiny.
“They must exercise restraint, avoid political association or conduct capable of creating an appearance of partiality and remain firmly within the boundaries imposed by their oath and the Constitution,” she stated.
Turning to legal practitioners, Justice Kekere-Ekun condemned the practice of deliberately approaching courts perceived to be favourable to particular litigants.
She explained that filing multiple proceedings seeking similar reliefs could result in conflicting judicial orders and unnecessary embarrassment to the justice system.
“Forum shopping, whether by the deliberate choice of commencing an action in a court or division perceived to be more favourable to a particular party or by the institution of multiple proceedings seeking substantially similar reliefs, can result in conflicting orders, undermine orderly judicial process and expose the judiciary to avoidable embarrassment,” she warned.
The CJN expressed concern that the increasing volume of political litigation could overwhelm the courts and delay the resolution of other cases.
She stressed that politically sensitive disputes must not receive attention at the expense of ordinary litigants seeking justice.
“The judiciary must remain available to all litigants, and the urgency or public prominence of political litigation should not come at the expense of other legitimate claims awaiting determination,” she said.
She urged lawyers to exercise professional judgment before initiating electoral proceedings and disclose the existence of related cases pending before other courts.
According to her, lawyers owe duties not only to their clients but also to the courts and the administration of justice.
The Chief Justice also called for the protection of judicial appointment processes against manipulation, personal vendettas and public intimidation.
She described the appointment of judges as one of the most consequential responsibilities of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).
“A judge does not merely occupy an office; he or she carries the authority of the Constitution and the confidence of the people. For that reason, the processes through which judicial officers are selected must command public confidence,” she said.
Justice Kekere-Ekun explained that recent judicial appointments involved structured assessments, professional feedback, background checks and opportunities for public comments on shortlisted candidates.
However, she warned that these mechanisms must not become instruments for settling personal or professional disagreements.
She also condemned the growing use of social media to intimidate judicial officers, lawyers and court personnel.
“The administration of justice cannot be left to anger, intimidation or trial by social media,” she declared.
The CJN maintained that judges must be free to decide cases according to law without fear of retaliation, while lawyers must be able to discharge their professional duties without harassment.
Reviewing the performance of the Supreme Court during the outgoing 2025/2026 Legal Year, Justice Kekere-Ekun reported increased judicial activity.
According to figures presented in her address, the apex court handled 2,456 matters and delivered 411 judgments during the period under review.
She said the matters included civil and criminal motions, Sharia-related proceedings and appeals involving civil, criminal and political disputes.
The figures represented an increase over the preceding legal year, during which the court handled 2,280 matters and delivered 369 judgments and rulings.
The CJN said the court had also introduced measures to improve case management, reduce delays and address the accumulation of pending matters.
She explained that the initiatives included prioritising older cases, identifying concluded matters still listed as active and disposing of proceedings that had become inactive.
While describing the court’s performance as encouraging, Justice Kekere-Ekun acknowledged that further improvements were necessary.
She reiterated the judiciary’s commitment to efficient case management, professional discipline and the preservation of public confidence in the administration of justice.
