With 68 days remaining until the 2027 general elections, 375 judges took the oath of office on Monday to preside over election petition tribunals established to address grievances from aggrieved political actors nationwide. These tribunals serve as legal avenues for candidates and parties to contest the outcomes of legislative and gubernatorial ballots.
Legal authority for these panels is rooted in the Constitution of Nigeria, specifically Section 285(1) and (2) as amended, which empowers the President of the Court of Appeal to set up Election Petition Tribunals for National and State Houses of Assembly as well as Governorship contests. Furthermore, operational timeframes for establishing these bodies and opening their registries are outlined in Section 134(3)(a) and (b) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony hosted at the Body of Benchers Complex in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, noted that the deployment of the judges demonstrates a shared dedication to constitutional governance, legal order, and the credibility of the nation's electoral system.
What did the Court of Appeal President emphasize?
Addressing the newly inducted jurists, Justice Dongban-Mensem described the ceremony as a vital institutional undertaking rather than a mere formality, pointing out that democratic strength relies heavily on accessible and unbiased mechanisms for dispute resolution.
"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," Justice Dongban-Mensem stated.
She further stressed that "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."
According to her, the judiciary protects the electorate's mandate, reinforces constitutional authority, and maintains public trust in democratic institutions through equitable adjudication. She also cautioned the jurists that their conduct on the bench would draw intense public observation.
How many new and experienced judges were appointed?
Providing a breakdown of the appointments, Justice Dongban-Mensem revealed that the 375 tribunal members were drawn from different judicial levels and institutions across the federation. Out of this total, 138 jurists bring prior tribunal experience from past election cycles, while the remaining 237 are serving on the tribunals for the first time.