By Correspondent in Abuja.
(C) National Judicial Council.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called on the judiciary to uphold discipline, consistency and strict compliance with constitutional timelines in the resolution of election disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Justice Kekere-Ekun made the call on Monday in Abuja while declaring open the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Federal High Court of Nigeria and its 41st Annual Judges’ Conference.
She said the judiciary would once again be called upon to play a stabilising role in the electoral process, stressing that pre-election matters must be handled with clarity and balance to sustain public confidence.
“As we look ahead to the 2027 general elections, the judiciary will again be required to play a stabilising national role.
“Election-related disputes must be handled with discipline, consistency and strict adherence to constitutional and statutory timelines. The nation looks to the courts for clarity and balance at such critical moments,” she said.
The CJN warned that conflicting interim orders, forum shopping and the abuse of ex parte applications undermine the credibility of the justice system and weaken public trust.
She urged heads of court divisions to enforce procedural discipline firmly and fairly, insisting that courts must never be perceived as arenas for political gamesmanship but as sanctuaries of constitutional order.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also expressed concern over delays in the administration of justice, describing them as one of the most persistent complaints from both the bar and the public.
“While some delays are structural, many are preventable. A judge must not see himself or herself as a passive moderator of proceedings. Effective case management is central to judicial responsibility,” she stressed.
The CJN added that the National Judicial Council (NJC) would continue to strengthen oversight of case progression, not as a means of intimidation, but to promote institutional discipline and improve justice delivery.
She further noted that judicial welfare, security and wellbeing remained critical priorities, stressing that a judiciary expected to be bold, independent and impartial must also be adequately protected and equipped.
“A judge who does not feel secure cannot dispense justice with confidence,” she said, reiterating that ethical conduct remained the defining hallmark of the Nigerian judiciary and that improved welfare must be matched with heightened responsibility.
On public perception, Justice Kekere-Ekun acknowledged the fragility of public confidence in judicial institutions, particularly given the strategic and sensitive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.
“Restoring confidence is not achieved by rhetoric, but by reliability, professionalism and visible order in the administration of justice,” she said, describing judicial independence as the lifeblood of democracy.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, welcomed participants to the special court session marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year, which began on September 17.
He described the annual ceremony as a solemn reminder of judges’ collective responsibility to uphold the rule of law, administer justice fairly and impartially, and protect the rights of all citizens.
Reflecting on the court’s performance, Justice Tsoho highlighted reforms and innovations, including the E-Affidavit System and the commencement of E-Filing in the Lagos Division, as part of ongoing modernisation efforts.
He also announced the completion and occupation of the court’s headquarters extension building, the creation of an insolvency unit, and the establishment of a Freedom of Information desk to enhance transparency and accountability.
On adjudication, Justice Tsoho disclosed that 16,019 cases were disposed of in the last legal year, while 165,905 cases remained pending, saying that the court’s efforts contributed to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, a development the CJN described as a significant national milestone.
He further revealed that the process of appointing 14 additional judges had reached an advanced stage, expressing optimism that their appointment would improve case disposal.
Justice Tsoho urged judges and staff to redouble their efforts in the new legal year to preserve the integrity and independence of the judiciary, while also condemning incessant social media attacks on judicial officers by some lawyers, describing the conduct as obnoxious and ignoble.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Afam Osigwe, SAN, called for enhanced case management through the designation of specialised courts for complex matters such as taxation, insolvency and intellectual property.
According to him, such specialisation would improve efficiency and predictability in adjudication, urging the judiciary to fully embrace technology, including digital filing, electronic records and virtual hearings, as standard tools for transparency and efficiency.
Speaking on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Mr Kanu Agabi warned that Nigeria was drifting towards a one-party system, a development he said made the role of the judiciary more urgent.
“The dominance of one political party has virtually eliminated effective opposition. Where there is no opposition, the judiciary must be strong, alert, innovative and resolute in defending the law and the Constitution,” he said.
Our Correspondent reports that a one-minute silence was observed in honour of deceased judges and staff of the Federal High Court.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
