CJN to Judges: Be Vigilant, Cautious in Your Handling of Political Cases.
Specifically, Justice Kekere-Ekun admonished that practices such as forum shopping, concealment of related proceedings and attempts to obtain conflicting orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction should be discouraged by the courts.
The CJN gave the charge on Monday during the opening session of the 2026 roundtable for heads of courts, organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
She stated that the issues require particular attention as the country approaches another election season, adding that election-related disputes often attract intense public interest and considerable pressure on the courts.
“The judiciary must be prepared to discharge its constitutional responsibilities with impartiality, courage and fidelity to the law. “Political sensitivity, public sentiment or the urgency with which a matter is presented must never displace the careful application of the constitution, the Electoral Act and the applicable rules of court,” she said. Kekere-Ekun therefore urged the judges to ensure that appropriate administrative arrangements are in place to facilitate the timely and orderly handling of election-related matters. The CJN reminded judicial officers of the need to scrutinise applications carefully, insist on full and frank disclosure of relevant facts, pay due regard to related proceedings and resist any attempt to use urgent applications or ex-parte orders to secure an improper advantage.
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