The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who made a fourth position in the Imo State governorship election governor, has expressed deep concern over persistent allegations of corruption, judicial delays, and bias that continue to plague the country’s judiciary, despite ongoing reform efforts.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was one of seven justices who overturned the 2019 Imo State governorship election result.
Following the election in 2019, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won the election, polling a total of 273,404 votes ahead of the first runner-up. Uche Nwosu of the Action Alliance (AA), the first runner-up, polled 190,364. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)’s Ifeanyi Ararume and All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Hope Uzodinma came third and fourth with 114,676 and 96,458 votes, respectively.
In a surprising turn of events, the ruling was disputed not by the second or third candidate but by Uzodinma, who came fourth. He would later file an electoral tribunal petition against INEC’s conclusions.
Justices Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta, Olukayode Ariwoola, Amiru Sanusi, Amina Adamu Augie, Uwani Musa Abba Aji, and Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun presided over the case at the Supreme Court. Kekere-Ekun announced the ruling.
Imo has 27 local government areas, 305 electoral wards, and 3,523 polling units. INEC scrapped the results of 252 polling units due to electoral violence while they also excluded results from 388 polling units and announced results from the remaining 2,883 units.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday while declaring open the 2025 hybrid refresher course for judges of superior courts, Kekere-Ekun highlighted the far-reaching consequences of these issues on public trust in the judicial system.
“In spite of our collective efforts, challenges persist; allegations of corruption, delays in the dispensation of justice, and perceptions of bias or inefficiency remain issues of concern,” she said.
The CJN stressed that these challenges not only weaken the judiciary’s authority but also erode public confidence, creating a dangerous disconnect between the courts and the society they serve.
She called for decisive action to restore faith in the system.
“The onus is therefore on us to confront these challenges head-on and reaffirm our commitment to judicial excellence,” Kekere-Ekun urged.
She stated that the judiciary, as the final arbiter of disputes and custodian of constitutional order, does not operate in isolation. Instead, its legitimacy is tied to the trust and confidence reposed in it by the public.
“Without public confidence, the judiciary’s moral authority is diminished, and its ability to discharge its constitutional mandate is impaired,” she warned, adding that integrity, professionalism, and transparency are essential to rebuilding trust.
Reiterating the importance of judicial impartiality, the CJN cautioned that even the perception of bias or misconduct could be as damaging as the reality itself.
“It is not enough to be impartial; we must also be seen to be impartial,” she stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, retired Justice Salisu Abdullahi, has emphasized the importance of public trust in the judiciary, describing it as the foundation of the institution’s legitimacy.
Speaking at a judicial refresher course themed “Strengthening Public Trust and Confidence in the Judiciary,” Abdullahi noted that trust in the judiciary is not automatic but must be deliberately cultivated.
“Public confidence must be earned through conduct that exemplifies impartiality, integrity, and diligence,” he told the participants.
He explained that the course provides judges an opportunity to reflect on challenges that could erode trust in the judiciary and explore solutions to restore public confidence.
“This will ultimately help in identifying practical strategies to strengthen citizens’ faith in the judicial system,” he added.
The refresher course is part of the institute’s efforts to ensure the continuous professional development of judicial officers.
