The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, on Monday inaugurated 375 judges that will serve on tribunals that will hear petitions likely to arise from the conduct and outcomes of the 2027 general election across the country.
Inaugurating the judges in Abuja, Justice Dongban-Mensem said 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.
“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 said.
She described the inauguration as more than a ceremonial event, but an important institutional preparation for one of the most consequential responsibilities entrusted to the judiciary.
“This gathering is more than a ceremonial event; it is an important institutional preparation for one of the most consequential responsibilities entrusted to the judiciary,” she added.
Section 285(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, vests in the President of the Court of Appeal the responsibility of constituting Election Petition Tribunals for the adjudication of disputes arising from National and State Houses of Assembly and Governorship elections.
Similarly, Section 134(3)(a) and (b) of the Electoral Act, 2026, prescribes the timelines for constituting the tribunals and opening their registries.
In her address at the occasion held at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja, Justice Dongban-Mensem said the inauguration highlighted a collective commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
She urged the judges to be mindful that the judiciary will be subject to considerable public scrutiny owing to their actions.
Justice Dongban-Mensem disclosed that the 375 tribunal judges were nominated from various courts and judicial institutions across the country.
“Of this number, 138 are returning members with previous Tribunal experience, while 237 are newly nominated members,” she added.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
