The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has inaugurated 375 judges to handle petitions that may emerge from the 2027 general elections.

The judges were inaugurated on Monday at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja as the judiciary prepares for disputes that could arise from the conduct and outcomes of the polls.

Their selection covers the adjudication of petitions relating to governorship and National and State Houses of Assembly elections, in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2026.

Speaking during the ceremony, Dongban-Mensem said the exercise was designed to ensure that the judiciary was adequately prepared to address electoral disagreements and protect the integrity of the democratic process.

She stressed that credible elections must be backed by an effective judicial system capable of resolving disputes impartially and without unnecessary delays.

According to her, the responsibility of election petition tribunals goes beyond settling disagreements, as their decisions help preserve the wishes of voters, reinforce constitutional authority and strengthen confidence in democratic institutions.

The Court of Appeal President disclosed that 138 of the appointed judges had previously participated in election tribunal proceedings, while 237 others were being assigned the responsibility for the first time.

She urged the judges to remain impartial and uphold the highest standards of judicial conduct, warning that Nigerians would closely examine their handling of election-related cases.