2027: 375 judges inaugurated for election petition tribunals

The judges are expected to handle disputes that will arise from the 2027 general elections, with 68 days remaining before the polls.

The judges were inaugurated on Monday at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja ahead of the 2027 general election, in anticipation of petitions that may be filed by dissatisfied political parties and candidates across the country.

The exercise is in line with Section 285, 1, and 2 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which empowers the President of the Court of Appeal to constitute election petition tribunals to determine disputes arising from National and State Houses of Assembly as well as governorship elections.

Similarly, Section 134, 3, a, and b of the Electoral Act 2026 provides for the timelines within which the tribunals must be established and their registries opened.

Speaking at the inauguration, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, said the exercise demonstrated the judiciary’s commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.

She described the inauguration as a significant institutional step towards preparing the judiciary for its responsibility of resolving disputes arising from the electoral process.

“This gathering is more than a ceremonial event; it is an important institutional preparation for one of the most consequential responsibilities entrusted to the judiciary.

“The credibility of democracy depends not only on the conduct of elections but also on the existence of impartial, effective, and timely mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes.

“Through the fair determination of such disputes, the Judiciary safeguards the people’s mandate, upholds constitutional supremacy and sustains public confidence in democratic governance,” Dongban-Mensem said.

The appellate court president urged the judges to discharge their responsibilities with integrity and impartiality, reminding them that their conduct and decisions would attract considerable public attention.

She disclosed that the 375 judicial officers were selected from different courts and judicial institutions across the country.

According to her, 138 of the judges had previously served on election petition tribunals, while the remaining 237 were appointed for the first time.