Get Guardian on GoogleNigeria’s judiciary has taken a major step towards preparations for the 2027 general elections, with 375 judges inaugurated to handle election-related disputes that may arise after the polls.
The judges were inaugurated on Monday at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja, ahead of the 2027 general elections scheduled to hold in 68 days.
The inauguration brings together 138 judges with previous election tribunal experience and 237 newly nominated members drawn from various courts and judicial institutions across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, described the exercise as an important institutional preparation for safeguarding Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
She stressed that the credibility of elections goes beyond the actual voting process, noting that impartial and timely resolution of electoral disputes remains essential to protecting the people’s mandate.
According to her, the judiciary has a crucial responsibility to uphold constitutional supremacy, strengthen the rule of law and sustain public confidence in democratic governance.
Dongban-Mensem also urged the judges to remain conscious of the public scrutiny that would accompany their assignments.
The constitution empowers the President of the Court of Appeal to constitute Election Petition Tribunals to adjudicate disputes arising from National and State Houses of Assembly and governorship elections.
The inauguration signals the judiciary’s readiness to handle the legal challenges that could emerge from the 2027 electoral process.
