Nigeria Inaugurates 375 Judges for 2027 Election Tribunals

Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun swore in 375 judges on November 9, 2026, in Abuja to serve on election petition tribunals for the 2027 general elections. The judicial officers, consisting of 237 new appointees and 138 returning members, will adjudicate disputes regarding governorship, National Assembly, and State House of Assembly elections. The inauguration took place during a three-day workshop titled “Election Tribunal as a Tool for Political Stability,” where the Court of Appeal also launched the second edition of the Judicial Electoral Manual.

Justice Kekere-Ekun warned the judges to resist political pressure, intimidation, and the influence of social media campaigns. She emphasized that while constitutional deadlines must be respected, the urgency of these cases must not compromise the right to a fair hearing. She further cautioned lawyers against abusing ex parte applications or filing multiple suits to influence pending cases.

Independent National Electoral Commission Chairperson Joash Amupitan alerted the tribunals to modern litigation challenges, specifically the threat of AI-generated deepfakes and foreign information manipulation. Amupitan noted that while tools like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System have increased transparency, digital threats will likely impact court proceedings. Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi added that competent registry support and the reforms of the Electoral Act 2026 are critical to the process.

The preparations come 68 days before the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, with governorship and state assembly polls following on February 6, 2027.