Court of Appeal President swears in 375 judges for 2027 election petition tribunals

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, on Monday swore in 375 judges who will serve on tribunals hearing election petitions arising from the 2027 general elections.

The ceremony took place at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja. Dongban-Mensem said the appointment follows Section 285 of the Constitution, which empowers her to constitute the tribunals, and Section 134 of the Electoral Act 2026, which sets the timelines for constituting them and opening their registries.

She told the judges the inauguration was an institutional preparation for one of the most consequential duties given 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," she said.

The 375 members were nominated from courts and judicial institutions across the country. Of these, 138 are returning members with tribunal experience and 237 are newly nominated, she said. She also urged them to live above board, noting that their conduct will be a measure of the judiciary's integrity.

On the same day, INEC condemned the "rig and die" slogan being popularised by some politicians, warning that it could expose innocent Nigerians to violence. National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna said any official found compromising the process would face the law.