Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned judicial officers against political associations and conduct that could raise doubts about their impartiality as the country approaches another electoral season.
She gave the warning in Abuja on Monday during a special session marking the opening of the Supreme Court’s 2026/2027 legal year and the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on 68 lawyers. She urged judges to remain guided by their oath and the Constitution.
Kekere-Ekun also warned against prioritising political disputes over other cases, saying the urgency and public attention surrounding electoral litigation should not delay the resolution of other legitimate claims. She urged lawyers handling political cases to avoid forum shopping and multiple proceedings seeking similar reliefs, which could result in conflicting court orders.
The CJN cautioned against abusing the public comment process for shortlisted judicial appointments, warning that it should not become a means of settling personal or professional disputes. She also condemned the use of social media to intimidate, ridicule or threaten judges, lawyers and court staff, stressing that misconduct should be reported through appropriate channels.
Providing statistics for the 2025/2026 legal year, Kekere-Ekun said the Supreme Court handled 2,456 matters, comprising 1,179 general civil motions, 573 criminal motions, 13 Sharia-related motions and 676 appeals. The appeals included 433 general civil, 212 criminal, 19 political and 12 Sharia appeals, alongside 10 originating summons.
She disclosed that the court delivered 411 judgments during the period, compared with 369 judgments and rulings from 2,280 matters in the preceding legal year. The CJN also called for the timely release of approved budgetary allocations to the Judiciary, warning that delays disrupt projects, procurement and the purchasing power of allocated funds.
Congratulating the 68 new SANs, Kekere-Ekun said the rank carried responsibilities beyond professional recognition. She urged them to demonstrate leadership, humility and integrity, adding that their conduct should set a positive example for younger lawyers.
