The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned judges against pressure, forum shopping and attempts to obtain conflicting court orders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The CJN said election-related disputes often attract intense public interest and pressure, urging judicial officers to remain impartial and strictly guided by the Constitution, the Electoral Act and applicable court rules.
She spoke in Abuja on Monday at the opening of the 2026 Roundtable for Heads of Courts, organised by the National Judicial Institute.
CJN warns against forum shopping
Mrs Kekere-Ekun urged heads of courts to establish proper administrative arrangements for the timely and orderly handling of election-related cases.
She said judges must carefully scrutinise applications, demand full disclosure of relevant facts and consider related proceedings before granting orders.
The CJN particularly warned against the use of urgent applications or ex-parte orders to secure an improper advantage.
She said no litigant should be allowed to manipulate the judicial system in search of a favourable decision, warning that public confidence in the judiciary would be tested during the 2027 electoral period.
According to her, forum shopping undermines consistency, encourages abuse of court processes and exposes the judiciary to avoidable controversy.
CJN raises concern over delays
Mrs Kekere-Ekun also described delays in the determination of cases as one of the major challenges facing the judiciary.
She said prolonged cases impose financial and emotional burdens on litigants, reduce the practical value of judicial remedies and weaken public confidence in the justice system.
The CJN urged heads of courts to monitor their caseloads, identify long-pending cases and develop strategies to reduce backlogs.
She, however, cautioned against measuring judicial efficiency solely by the number of cases disposed of, stressing that cases must be determined fairly, competently and within a reasonable time, with the right to fair hearing protected.
Calls for merit-based judicial appointments
On judicial appointments, Mrs Kekere-Ekun called for transparent, fair and merit-based selection processes.
She urged heads of courts to resist external pressure and prioritise competence, character and suitability in selecting judicial officers.
The CJN also called for stronger professional standards, mentorship programmes for newly appointed judges and an institutional culture based on impartiality and accountability.
Judges told to improve punctuality
Mrs Kekere-Ekun further directed heads of courts to ensure judges commence sittings on time and that lawyers and litigants are promptly informed whenever court sessions are cancelled.
She described punctuality as a professional responsibility, noting that it was unacceptable for lawyers and litigants to travel long distances at considerable expense only to discover that their cases would not be heard.
She also called for courtrooms to remain professional environments free from bullying and harassment, stressing that judicial authority should be exercised with fairness, composure and respect.
NJI administrator commends CJN
Earlier, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute and retired President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, said the judiciary remained under constant public scrutiny because of its role as the custodian of justice and guardian of the rule of law.
Mr Adejumo said the annual roundtable provides an opportunity for heads of courts to discuss common challenges and develop solutions collectively.
He commended Mrs Kekere-Ekun for reforms she had introduced, saying they had strengthened judicial independence and enhanced integrity across the judiciary.
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