Nigeria’s judiciary is under renewed public attention as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, issue a strong warning to judges preparing to handle disputes arising from the 2027 general elections.
The two senior legal officials cautioned election tribunal judges against intimidation, inducement, political interference and pressure from influential individuals.
Speaking at a three-day induction workshop in Abuja, Fagbemi stressed that electoral justice must be based on the law rather than political interests or public pressure.
The Chief Justice also warned lawyers against turning courtrooms into extensions of political battlefields through multiple lawsuits, conflicting orders and tactical applications.
She reminded politicians and their supporters that the popularity of a candidate cannot replace legal evidence when election disputes are being decided.
Another major concern raised at the event was the growing use of artificial intelligence to spread misleading political information.
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan warned that AI-generated audio, deepfake videos and cloned voices of election officials could become serious threats during the 2027 elections.
He urged election tribunals to pay close attention to digital evidence, including its origin and authenticity.
The warnings come at a time when political parties are already involved in legal disputes over leadership, nominations and candidate eligibility.
With 375 judicial officers nominated for the 2027 Election Petition Tribunals, the judiciary will have a major responsibility in protecting public confidence in the electoral process.
For Nigerians, the message is straightforward: election disputes must be settled through credible evidence and the law, not political influence or online pressure.
