In response to allegations and petitions against state tribunal judges, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has issued a directive to move all appeals arising from election petition cases across the country to the Abuja and Lagos divisions of the appellate court.
The order specifically pertains to Governorship, National, and State Assemblies’ Elections held between February and March 2023. While appeals from the northern states will be heard in the Abuja division, those from the southern states will be handled in Lagos.
The decision to centralize the appeals in these two divisions comes amidst concerns raised by political parties and their candidates, alleging compromise by judges in state tribunals, particularly influenced by governors. The move is intended to ensure the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the appellate court.
Justice Dongban-Mensem stated that consolidating the appeals in fewer divisions will enable effective oversight and contribute to maintaining the independence and integrity of the judiciary in handling election-related cases.