Supreme Court Warns Against Election Litigation Abuse As 68 Lawyers Become SANs
Dr Nafisat Makinde, Abuja
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, on Monday warned lawyers against forum shopping and intimidation of judicial officers as the Supreme Court opened the 2026/2027 Legal Year and conferred the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on 68 legal practitioners. She cautioned that filing multiple suits seeking similar reliefs could result in conflicting court orders, particularly in politically sensitive disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The new class comprises 67 practising advocates and one academic, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri. The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee approved the candidates at its 174th plenary session on July 23, 2026, following a screening process involving 89 shortlisted applicants. The SAN rank recognises exceptional distinction in legal practice or significant contributions to legal scholarship.
Kekere-Ekun condemned intimidation of judicial officers and attacks on the judiciary through social media. She urged lawyers to challenge court decisions through established legal procedures and pursue allegations of misconduct through appropriate channels. Her address emphasised the importance of judicial independence, professional discipline and respect for the administration of justice.
The Chief Justice reported that the Supreme Court handled 2,456 matters and delivered 411 judgments during the 2025/2026 Legal Year, compared with 2,280 matters and 369 judgments and rulings in the preceding year. She highlighted the Nigerian Case Management System, introduced at the Court on July 1, as part of efforts to improve electronic filing and case management. She also called for the timely release of approved judicial funds to support court operations and infrastructure.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, urged judges to determine electoral disputes without fear or political pressure. He warned against intimidation of judicial officers and called for stronger disciplinary procedures for legal practitioners. His address emphasised the need to preserve judicial independence while ensuring accountability within the legal profession.
President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, called for greater accountability among lawyers and urged the profession to address misconduct through fair and transparent disciplinary procedures. Representing the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chief Wole Olanipekun raised concerns about inconsistent application of judicial precedents and called for greater attention to lawyers’ rights of appeal in disciplinary proceedings.
In a message published on October 11, ahead of the ceremony, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Jibrin Samuel Okutepa urged the incoming SANs to regard their elevation as a responsibility to the public. He encouraged them to defend judicial independence, provide pro bono services to vulnerable litigants, mentor younger lawyers and avoid using court procedures to prolong litigation.
The addresses highlighted challenges facing Nigeria’s justice system, including delays in court proceedings, professional misconduct, funding constraints and public confidence in judicial institutions. The new SANs enter the Inner Bar with increased professional recognition and expectations of ethical advocacy. As the country approaches another electoral cycle, the effective administration of justice will depend on impartial adjudication, responsible legal practice and respect for the rule of law.