2027: 375 Judges sworn in for election petition tribunals

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has inaugurated judges appointed to serve on Election Petition Tribunals ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Section 285(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, empowers the President of the Court of Appeal to constitute Election Petition Tribunals to handle disputes arising from National and State Houses of Assembly and Governorship elections.

Similarly, Section 134(3)(a) and (b) of the Electoral Act, 2026, provides timelines for the constitution of the tribunals and the opening of their registries.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja, Justice Dongban-Mensem said the exercise demonstrated a collective commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.

“This gathering is more than a ceremonial event; it is an important institutional preparation for one of the most consequential responsibilities entrusted to the judiciary.

“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.

“Through the fair determination of such disputes, the Judiciary safeguards the people’s mandate, upholds constitutional supremacy and sustains public confidence in democratic governance,” the Court of Appeal President added.

She urged the judges to be mindful that the judiciary will be subject to considerable public scrutiny owing to their actions.

Justice Dongban-Mensem disclosed that the 375 tribunal judges were nominated from various courts and judicial institutions across the country.

“Of this number, 138 are returning members with previous Tribunal experience, while 237 are newly nominated members,” she added.

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