As the 2027 general elections draw near, the Independent Judicial Accountability Panel (IJAP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and its regulations on the nomination of candidates in order to safeguard public trust. It further expressed concern that a pending legal action seeking clarity on the President’s emergency powers under Section 305 of the Constitution remains unheard at the Supreme Court. Among the session’s highlights was a review of high-profile Supreme Court cases, including APC v. Bashir Sheriff & INEC and Oyetola v. INEC, which the panel said raised serious concerns about consistency with established legal principles. “The judiciary must place greater emphasis on justice rather than technical interpretations that can subvert the will of the people,” Justice Owoade said. Calling for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s judicial and electoral systems, Justice Owoade noted:“Citizens must show greater interest in the entire electoral process, including party primaries, and reject candidates that emerge through flawed processes.