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Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called for stronger measures to prevent the misuse of the courts as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
She urged heads of courts across the country to ensure that election-related disputes are handled through established legal procedures, warning that attempts to obtain contradictory rulings from different courts could damage the reputation of the judiciary.
Speaking at the 2026 Roundtable for Heads of Courts in Abuja on Monday, organised by the National Judicial Institute, Kekere-Ekun said judicial officers must remain focused on the law despite the political interests surrounding sensitive cases.
She identified the practice of filing similar cases before different courts in search of favourable decisions as a major threat to the proper administration of justice. She also stressed that judges must examine urgent applications thoroughly and consider related cases before granting orders that could interfere with other proceedings.
The CJN further challenged court administrators to tackle the growing burden of pending cases by improving hearing schedules, monitoring inactive matters and reducing unnecessary adjournments. She noted that prolonged litigation places additional financial and emotional pressure on citizens seeking justice.
However, she cautioned that speed should not take priority over fairness, insisting that every case must be determined within a reasonable period without compromising the right of any party to a fair hearing.
Kekere-Ekun also called for greater transparency in judicial appointments, urging those responsible for selecting judges to prioritise professional competence, integrity and character over external interests. She said judicial independence must be protected at every stage of the process.
On courtroom administration, she directed heads of courts to improve punctuality and ensure that lawyers and litigants receive timely information when scheduled hearings are cancelled. She also emphasised the need for respectful conduct by judges and adequate support for court personnel.
Earlier, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute and retired President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, said judicial leaders must take responsibility for strengthening public confidence in the courts. He described the roundtable as a platform for addressing institutional challenges and developing practical measures to improve justice delivery.
