Judges’ Conference Calls for End to Pre‑Election Litigation, Urges Sweeping Judicial Reforms
Nigeria’s senior judicial officers have resolved that pre‑election disputes should no longer be entertained by the courts, stressing that such matters must be handled internally by political parties.
At the 2025 All Nigeria Judges’ Conference of the Superior Courts of Record, held at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Abuja, delegates warned that the escalating volume of pre‑election suits has become one of the most severe burdens on the judiciary, clogging dockets nationwide and frustrating timely justice delivery.
Delegates included Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, FCT High Court, State High Courts, and Sharia and Customary Courts of Appeal. They insisted that political parties must take responsibility for managing internal conflicts rather than outsourcing them to the courts.
The conference underscored several urgent priorities including modernisation and digitalisation of court infrastructure to enhance speed, transparency, and public access. Sustained judicial training, welfare, and independence as pillars of a strong justice system. Adequate funding to guarantee judicial independence, urging collaboration between the executive and legislature and strict obedience to court orders by all arms of government, with appeals pursued where necessary rather than deliberate disobedience.
Delegates reaffirmed that public confidence is the true currency of the judiciary, calling for uncompromising integrity at all levels.
– The National Judicial Council (NJC) was urged to strengthen disciplinary functions, apply firm sanctions for misconduct, and curb frivolous petitions that undermine judicial morale.
– Judges cautioned against indiscriminate injunctions, stressing strict compliance with established principles to prevent abuse.
– Courts of coordinate jurisdiction were advised to avoid conflicting orders, with consistency and effective pre‑trial case management identified as essential to reducing delays.
The conference called for sweeping reforms, including:
– Enhanced legal aid services and improved police‑prosecution standards.
– Transparent justice data and full implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
– Correctional centre reforms to reduce pre‑trial detention and ensure humane treatment of inmates.
– Prioritisation of security for judicial officers, their families, and court staff, with proactive measures by security agencies.
– Constitutional review of the jurisdiction of the Sharia Court of Appeal and Customary Court of Appeal to align with contemporary needs.
Delegates noted that judicial reforms contributed to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, pledging continued support for anti‑money laundering and counter‑terrorism financing frameworks.
They further advised the NJC to move beyond commendation letters for exceptional judges, urging performance evaluations based on the quality of judgments submitted for elevation.
