With 68 days remaining before the commencement of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, the judiciary has taken a major step toward post-election dispute resolution with the inauguration of 375 judges to serve on election petition tribunals across the country.
The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, administered the oath of office to the judicial officers on Monday during a ceremony at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja.
The newly inaugurated panel is charged with the responsibility of hearing and determining petitions arising from the upcoming National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and Governorship elections.
Composition and Legal Mandate
Disclosing the composition of the panel, Justice Dongban-Mensem revealed that the 375 members were selected from various courts and judicial institutions nationwide.
“Of this number, 138 are returning members with previous tribunal experience, while 237 are newly nominated members,” she said.
The constitution of the tribunals aligns with Section 285(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates the President of the Court of Appeal to establish Election Petition Tribunals to adjudicate legislative and state executive election disputes. Furthermore, the exercise complies with Section 134(3)(a) and (b) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which outlines strict timelines for establishing tribunal panels and opening their registries.
Judicial Integrity Under Public Scrutiny
Addressing the appointees, Justice Dongban-Mensem emphasized that their inauguration goes beyond routine ceremonial ritual, representing an essential institutional preparation for one of the judiciary’s most critical constitutional functions.
“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 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.”
She cautioned the tribunal judges to remain steadfast, noting that their decisions and conduct throughout the tribunal process will face intense public scrutiny.
With registries set to open in accordance with statutory guidelines, the tribunals stand ready to receive and process petitions filed by aggrieved candidates and political parties following the conclusion of the polls.
