The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged judges, particularly heads of courts, to guard against forum shopping, concealment of related cases and attempts to obtain conflicting court orders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

She gave the warning on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the 2026 Roundtable for Heads of Courts, organised by the National Judicial Institute.

Kekere-Ekun said election-related disputes often attract intense public interest and pressure, stressing that judicial officers must remain impartial and uphold the law in handling politically sensitive cases.

She emphasised that political considerations, public sentiment and the urgency of applications must not override the Constitution, the Electoral Act and established court procedures.

The CJN also urged heads of courts to establish appropriate administrative measures for the timely and orderly handling of election-related cases.

She further called on judicial officers to scrutinise applications carefully, demand full disclosure of relevant facts, consider related proceedings and resist the misuse of urgent applications or ex parte orders to gain undue advantage.

Kekere-Ekun maintained that the integrity of judicial proceedings must be protected from political interests and external pressure as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.