Nigeria's chief justice warns over 2027 election disputes
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Thechronicle
Nigeria's Chief Justice, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged judges to remain vigilant over proceedings that could undermine 2027 election disputes. She cited conflicting applications, concealment of related cases and the abusive use of urgent orders at a meeting in Abuja, according to The Chronicle.
Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has called on judges to protect the integrity of judicial proceedings ahead of the 2027 elections. She warned in particular against strategic forum shopping, concealing related proceedings and seeking conflicting decisions from courts of the same level, during a meeting of heads of courts in Abuja, according to The Chronicle.
Kekere-Ekun asked judges to examine urgent applications carefully, require the full disclosure of relevant facts and take related cases into account. She also warned that orders issued without hearing all parties should not be used to gain an improper advantage. Election disputes attract considerable public attention and can expose courts to pressure, she stressed.
The chief justice urged heads of courts to ensure that election-related cases are handled competently, swiftly and impartially, in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and procedural rules. On 24 October, Amina Adamu Augie had denounced judicial corruption in Nigeria, amid concerns about the independence of the courts ahead of the 2027 election.
