Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned heads of courts against the misuse of ex-parte orders and other practices that could undermine judicial proceedings ahead of the next election season.
Kekere-Ekun spoke in Abuja on Monday at the opening of the 2026 roundtable for heads of courts, organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
She identified forum shopping, concealment of related proceedings and attempts to obtain conflicting orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction as practices requiring closer scrutiny, particularly as election-related disputes attract public attention and political pressure.
The CJN said judges must insist on full disclosure of relevant facts and consider related proceedings before granting applications.
“Judicial officers must be reminded of the need to scrutinise applications carefully, insist on full and frank disclosure of relevant facts, pay due regard to related proceedings and resist any attempt to use urgent applications or ex-parte orders to secure an improper advantage,” she said.
Kekere-Ekun warned that political interests must not interfere with the administration of justice, adding that the urgency attached to a case must not override the law.
“Political sensitivity, public sentiment or the urgency with which a matter is presented must never displace the careful application of the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the applicable rules of court,” she said.
“Forum shopping is particularly damaging because it undermines consistency, encourages abuse of process and exposes the Judiciary to avoidable public controversy.
“Your lordships must therefore ensure that existing procedural safeguards are observed and that appropriate steps are taken whenever attempts to circumvent established judicial processes come to light.
“No litigant should be permitted to manipulate the judicial system in search of a favourable decision. Public confidence in the judiciary will be tested during this period.”
She urged heads of courts to establish administrative arrangements for the timely handling of election-related cases and ensure that judicial officers follow existing procedural safeguards.
The CJN also called for improved case management, noting that delays, repeated adjournments and poor scheduling impose financial and emotional burdens on litigants and weaken public confidence in the judiciary.
She asked heads of courts to monitor pending cases, identify the causes of delays and develop strategies to reduce backlogs without compromising fair hearing.
Kekere-Ekun further urged judicial leaders to protect the integrity of judicial appointments by resisting external pressure and ensuring that selections are based on merit, competence and character.
She directed heads of courts to address persistent lateness, ensure prompt notification of cancelled sittings and promote respectful treatment of lawyers and litigants.