Abuja, Nigeria — With 68 days remaining until the 2027 general elections, 375 judges were inaugurated on Monday to serve on the tribunals responsible for hearing election petitions across the country. The ceremony, held at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja, marks a critical step in the judicial preparation for the upcoming electoral cycle.
The appointment of these judges is mandated by Section 285(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which vests the responsibility for constituting Election Petition Tribunals in the President of the Court of Appeal. These tribunals are tasked with adjudicating disputes arising from elections for the National and State Houses of Assembly, as well as Governorship races. Additionally, Section 134(3)(a) and (b) of the Electoral Act, 2026, prescribes the specific timelines for establishing these bodies and opening their registries.
Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, the President of the Court of Appeal, addressed the newly sworn-in judges, emphasizing that the event represented more than a ceremonial formality. She described it as an essential institutional preparation for one of the judiciary's most consequential responsibilities.
“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,” Justice Dongban-Mensem stated. “Through the fair determination of such disputes, the Judiciary safeguards the people’s mandate, upholds constitutional supremacy and sustains public confidence in democratic governance.”
During her address, Justice Dongban-Mensem highlighted the collective commitment of the judiciary to constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. She cautioned the judges to remain mindful that their actions would be subject to considerable public scrutiny, underscoring the high stakes involved in resolving electoral disputes.
The 375 tribunal judges were nominated from various courts and judicial institutions across Nigeria. According to Justice Dongban-Mensem, the group comprises 138 returning members with previous tribunal experience and 237 newly nominated members, ensuring a mix of seasoned and fresh perspectives for the upcoming election petitions.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
