In a decisive step toward safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudira Kekere-Ekun, has officially sworn in the newly nominated members of the Election Petition Tribunals for the 2027 General Elections.
Speaking at the ceremony at the Body of Benchers Auditorium in Abuja, which coincided with the launch of the second edition of the Judicial Electoral Manual and a specialised capacity-building workshop.
The CJN charged judicial officers to adhere strictly to their oaths, withstand external political pressures, and administer justice without fear or favor as the nation prepares for another major electoral cycle.
Highlighting the critical stakes of the upcoming polls, Justice Kekere-Ekun underscored key milestone dates, confirming that the Presidential and National Assembly Elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, followed by the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Elections on February 6, 2027.
Addressing the sworn tribunal judges, the Chief Justice emphasized that statutory and constitutional adjudication timelines leave no room for trial delays or lax case management.
The CJN issued a stern call to action to legal practitioners, political parties, media organizations, and the public to desist from unethical tactics, ex parte abuse, and online media campaigns aimed at prejudging cases or intimidating judicial officers.
Emphasising that democratic integrity relies on collective responsibility, Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that while the electoral commission, security forces, and the Bar must carry out their statutory duties conscientiously, the Judiciary’s sole duty remains resolving disputes strictly according to the law and the evidence.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly anchored its operational readiness to the collaboration between electoral management and judicial adjudication.
Speaking at the three-day workshop for justices and tribunal members in Abuja, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, who is in attendance, emphasised that election petition tribunals serve as the ultimate constitutional safety valves required to de-escalate political friction and secure public trust under the Rule of Law.
Addressing the evolving complexities of electoral litigation, INEC highlighted the critical intersection between modern voting technology and emerging digital threats ahead of the polls.
While systems like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) continue to enhance transparency, he underscored that the judiciary must now navigate sophisticated digital challenges, including AI-generated deepfakes, among others, to safeguard the electoral process against misinformation.
