Justice Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun, the [Chief Justice of Nigeria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chief_Justice_of_Nigeria), warned on Thursday that judges appointed to election petition tribunals for the 2027 general elections will be subject to close monitoring, stressing the need for utmost impartiality and restraint.
**What did the CJN emphasize?**
She addressed the flag‑off ceremony of the 2026/2027 legal year of the [National Industrial Court of Nigeria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Industrial_Court_of_Nigeria), noting that some of its judges may be called to sit on [Election Petition Tribunals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Election_tribunal_(Nigeria)). The Chief Justice said these assignments involve politically sensitive disputes that attract intense public attention, therefore demanding “an even greater degree of impartiality, restraint and detachment.”
**How will conduct be monitored?**
Justice Kekere‑Ekun warned that both courtroom behaviour and off‑duty activities will be scrutinised. She urged judges to avoid any association or public engagement that could create a perception of political bias, and reminded the Bar that it must not be used as a tool for partisan manipulation.
**What about public commentary?**
The CJN cautioned against personal attacks on judges, misrepresentation of proceedings, or attempts to pressure the courts through media. She affirmed that legitimate concerns should be raised through established institutional channels.
**Is AI a concern for lawyers?**
She highlighted that while artificial intelligence can aid legal research, it must not replace professional responsibility. “An AI system may generate an answer that looks authoritative, complete with case names and citations, but that does not guarantee accuracy. Non‑existent cases or misquoted judgments have no place in court proceedings,” she warned, noting the serious consequences for counsel.
**What did the NICN leadership report?**
Justice Benedict Kanyip, President of the NICN, disclosed that 2,236 cases were disposed of across its judicial divisions in the past twelve months, markedly reducing the historic backlog. He praised the judges’ dedication for the improved disposal rate.
**Why is the ADR Centre under‑used?**
Kanyip also lamented that only 31 cases were referred to the court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre during the same period, stressing that ADR is a vital component of labour justice and that efficiency cannot rely solely on litigation.
**Who else attended the ceremony?**
The event, which also marked the commissioning of the court’s new headquarters, was attended by former Chief Justices Mahmud Mohammed and Walter Onnoghen, the President of the Court of Appeal Justice Monica Dongbam‑Mensen, senior advocates and other legal luminaries. The Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, [Prince Lateef Fagbemi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attorney- General_of_Federation_(Nigeria)), SAN, pledged continued federal support, while NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo‑Okusanya, SAN, urged that Nigerian labour jurisprudence remain dynamic yet firmly rooted in the rule of law.