Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned judges and lawyers against conduct that could undermine public confidence in the judiciary ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging judicial officers to remain impartial and legal practitioners to avoid forum shopping in politically sensitive cases.
Kekere-Ekun gave the warning on Monday, October 12, 2026, while delivering her address at the special session of the Supreme Court of Nigeria marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year in Abuja.
She said the approaching electoral season would bring increased political activity and disputes with significant consequences for individuals, political parties and the country, making restraint, professionalism and strict adherence to the law particularly important.
The CJN stressed that judges must avoid political associations or conduct capable of creating an appearance of partiality, reminding judicial officers that their actions and statements would attract heightened scrutiny during the election period.
She also cautioned lawyers against forum shopping, which involves deliberately initiating cases in courts or divisions perceived to be favourable to a particular party, as well as filing multiple proceedings seeking substantially similar reliefs.
According to her, such practices can produce conflicting court orders, disrupt the orderly administration of justice and expose the judiciary to unnecessary embarrassment.
Kekere-Ekun urged counsel to disclose related cases already pending before other courts and respect the jurisdiction and proceedings of those courts, emphasising that their professional responsibilities extend beyond securing immediate advantages for clients.
She warned that the growing volume of political litigation must not overwhelm the courts to the point that other cases are delayed or denied timely attention.
“The Judiciary must remain available to all litigants, and the urgency or public prominence of political litigation should not come at the expense of other legitimate claims awaiting determination,” she said.
The CJN also condemned the use of social media to intimidate, ridicule or harass judges, lawyers and court employees over professional disagreements. She said criticism of judgments and complaints about misconduct should be pursued through appropriate channels rather than through threats or personal attacks.
According to her, the administration of justice cannot be left to anger, intimidation or what she described as trial by social media. She maintained that judges must be able to decide cases according to the law without fear of personal retaliation.
Kekere-Ekun said protecting the dignity of the legal profession was a collective responsibility of the Bench and the Bar, particularly at a time when public confidence in judicial institutions remained essential to the country’s democratic process.