No fewer than 375 judges have been inaugurated to serve on the Election Petition Tribunals that will adjudicate disputes arising from the 2027 general elections.
The inauguration took place on Monday at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja, with the judges expected to handle petitions that may arise from National and State Houses of Assembly, as well as governorship elections.
The exercise comes 68 days before the scheduled 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, described the inauguration as a significant step towards strengthening constitutional democracy, upholding the rule of law and preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
She stressed that the credibility of democracy goes beyond the conduct of elections, noting that impartial, effective and timely resolution of electoral disputes was equally essential.
According to her, the judiciary has a critical responsibility to protect the people’s mandate, uphold constitutional supremacy and maintain public confidence in democratic governance.
Justice Dongban-Mensem also cautioned the judges to discharge their responsibilities with utmost diligence, integrity and impartiality, reminding them that their conduct would attract considerable public scrutiny.
She disclosed that the 375 judges were drawn from different courts and judicial institutions across the country.
Of the total number, 138 are returning members with previous experience in election petition tribunals, while 237 are newly appointed to serve in the capacity.
The constitution, under Section 285(1) and (2), empowers the President of the Court of Appeal to constitute Election Petition Tribunals to hear and determine disputes arising from governorship and National and State Houses of Assembly elections.
The Electoral Act, 2026, also provides timelines for the constitution of the tribunals and the commencement of their operations.
