The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has issued a crucial warning to Judges across the country, urging them to refrain from issuing conflicting orders or abusing ex-parte applications as the 2027 general elections approach, particularly concerning pre-election disputes.
Speaking on Monday, the 15th of December, 2025, at a Special Court Session to mark the commencement of the Federal High Court of Nigeria’s 2025/2026 legal year and the 41st Annual Judges Conference in Abuja, the CJN specifically charged Judges to be firm in the enforcement of procedural discipline to ensure the Judiciary is not seen as a tool for political gamesmanship.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also addressed the long-standing issue of delay in justice delivery, emphasizing that judges must actively manage cases and guide proceedings. She noted that the National Judicial Council (NJC) would continue to strengthen oversight of case progression to support efficiency and institutional discipline.
Regarding welfare and security, the CJN reiterated the Judiciary’s commitment to improving working conditions, infrastructure, research support and safety of judicial officers, observing that a judge who feels insecure cannot dispense justice confidently. She also praised court administrators, registrars and support staff, describing their work as foundational to judicial efficiency, and implored them to uphold integrity and professionalism.
The CJN called for a renewed commitment to institutional discipline, deeper digitisation, and unwavering commitment to integrity in the administration of justice.
Commending the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for his leadership, Justice Kekere-Ekun highlighted the court’s importance, stating that it occupies a central place in Nigeria’s constitutional and legal architecture, with jurisdiction over critical national matters such as revenue, taxation, immigration, maritime operations and intellectual property.
She stressed the significance of the court’s role, stating: “The Federal High Court was not conceived as a court of peripheral jurisdiction. Its decisions directly shape national policy and public perception of the rule of law and acknowledged that public confidence in the Judiciary remains fragile.”
The CJN further warned that unpredictable or inefficient court processes could undermine even well-reasoned judgments, emphasizing that punctuality, consistency in court sittings, and transparent communication with litigants and counsel were essential components of justice delivery.
She delivered a potent reminder to the bench: “Our judgments constitute our voice, and the manner in which we discharge our duties defines the authority and credibility of that voice,” she stated.
Justice Kekere-Ekun underscored the necessity of judicial independence anchored on responsibility, courage and moral clarity, and acknowledged the professionalism of Federal High Court judges despite mounting pressure and public scrutiny.
Concerning judicial reform, the CJN identified digitisation as no longer optional but a core institutional priority, advocating for the expansion of virtual hearings, e-filing, electronic case tracking and secure digital records to enhance speed, accountability, and public trust. She celebrated the unveiling of the Information Electronic Directory Table and Electronic Notice and Advertorial Display Screens as a significant milestone, noting that the systems would improve transparency, reduce confusion, and enhance access to court services for litigants and the public.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, reported that the court fared well in the past legal year in the efforts to enhance efficient and effective service delivery.
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He disclosed the following statistics for the close of the 2023/2024 legal year: Pending Cases Carried Over: A total of 161,999 cases were carried over into the 2024/2025 legal year.
New Cases Filed: A total of 19,925 cases were filed during the period, bringing the total number of pending cases to 181,924.
Cases Disposed Of: 16,019 cases were disposed of.
Remaining Pending Cases: 165,905 cases remain pending.
Of the 16,019 cases disposed of, he detailed the breakdown: 3,113 are civil cases, 5,818 are criminal cases, 3,724 are motions and 3,364 are fundamental human rights cases. Justice Tsoho also confirmed that the court is advancing in the process of appointing 14 additional Judges to the Bench, following the approval of the CJN and NJC Chairman.
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, spoke next, noting that the Federal High Court’s jurisdiction over matters that define the country’s economic, regulatory and constitutional framework, places it at the center of national development and investor confidence.
He urged the Judges of the court to remain vigilant against any actual or perceived political capture or manipulation, stressing that any perception that judicial processes are shaped by partisanship undermines the foundation of the rule of law.
The NBA boss declared that the judiciary must guard its independence with utmost vigilance as its authority rests not on force but on public confidence in its neutrality. He added that the Federal High Court must insist that its jurisdiction cannot be manipulated as a substitute for political will, party leadership, party discipline or internal democracy and that “Not every quarrel within a political party is justiciable and not every grievance constitutes a legal dispute.”
He concluded his remarks by asserting: “The court’s docket should not become a political theatre or a stagging ground for political leadership or factional dominance.”
Representing the Body of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (BOSAN), Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, called on Judges to be bold, strong and of good courage in the discharge of their duties, adding that, “the Law is what the Judges say.” Agabi pointed out that the dominance of one political party as it is now which has virtually eliminated opposition makes the work of the Judiciary more urgent and important. He appealed to Judges to be bold, honest and innovative in the adjudication of political matters as the hope of the nation is in the judiciary.