Nigeria’s Supreme Court faces judicial transition ahead of 2027 elections

During the opening of the judicial year at Nigeria’s Supreme Court in Abuja, Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun delivered the State of the Administration of Justice (SOTAJ) report. The report highlighted a period of significant transition for the judiciary, marked by the retirement of several senior judges and a looming influx of election petitions as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun described the current era as a “process of renewal,” noting that the National Judicial Council and Judicial Service Commissions face the consequential responsibility of managing upcoming vacancies. Several justices are scheduled to retire through mid-2027, including Uwani Abba-Aji and Helen Ogunwumiju. Additionally, the report noted that 12 recommended Justices of Appeal are currently awaiting presidential consent for their appointments.