The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has inaugurated 375 judges for the 2027 election petition tribunals, with 237 of them set to serve on the panels for the first time.
The inauguration took place on Monday at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja, where the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, also swore in the tribunal members.
Dongban-Mensem said 138 of the judges had previously served on election petition tribunals, while 237 would be handling the assignment for the first time.
The judges are expected to adjudicate disputes arising from the 2027 general elections, with the presidential and National Assembly polls scheduled for January 16, 2027, and the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections fixed for February 6.
CJN warns judges against political pressure
Kekere-Ekun charged the tribunal members to uphold their judicial oaths and dispense justice without fear or favour.
She warned them against political interference and other external influences, stressing that election disputes must be resolved independently and strictly in accordance with the law and evidence presented before the courts.
The CJN also urged the judges to comply with constitutional and statutory timelines, warning against unnecessary delays and poor case management.
She cautioned lawyers, political parties, media organisations and members of the public against conduct capable of undermining judicial independence.
Kekere-Ekun specifically warned against unethical litigation practices, abuse of ex parte applications and online campaigns aimed at prejudging pending cases or intimidating judicial officers.
Judicial electoral manual launched
The event also featured the launch of the second edition of the Judicial Electoral Manual and a specialised training workshop to prepare the judges for their responsibilities.
Dongban-Mensem described the inauguration as an important step in preparing the judiciary for the 2027 electoral process.
She said the credibility of democracy depended not only on the conduct of elections but also on the existence of impartial and timely mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes.
According to her, election petition tribunals play a crucial role in safeguarding the people’s mandate, upholding constitutional supremacy and sustaining public confidence in democratic governance.
The inauguration was conducted pursuant to Section 285(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which provides for election petition tribunals to determine disputes arising from governorship and legislative elections.
The judiciary’s preparations are also guided by provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 on the establishment of tribunals and the opening of their registries.
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