Presidential Design to Extend Supreme Court Justices’ Tenure Sparks Controversy Amidst 2027 Election Preparations
ABUJA/Nigeria: In an unfolding narrative, credible sources reveal an alleged scheme to extend the retirement age of Nigeria’s Supreme Court Justices from 70 to 75 years, with purported ties to the presidency and the office of Chief Justice Olukayade Ariwoola.
Recent discussions in the legal circles suggest a covert plan to elongate the tenures of Supreme Court Justices, aiming to retain them beyond the current 70-year age limit. Insiders intimate that the primary objective is to navigate potential crises, particularly after the 2023 presidential election dispute, where the Court faced challenges forming a quorum for election petition adjudication.
Sources further disclose a motive to reward Justices who served on the 2023 presidential election petition panel at the Court of Appeal, now elevated to the Supreme Court. If successful, this strategy could become a pivotal component of the 2027 election preparations, as the same group of judges would remain in place to handle any anticipated litigation.
The alleged masterminds behind this plot are said to be influential figures within the presidency and the office of Chief Justice Olukayade Ariwoola. The plan, according to multiple sources, aims to ensure the longevity of the current justices, including those recently sworn in, through the 2027 election cycle.
Chief Justice Olukayade Ariwoola, who is set to retire on August 22 next year, is expected to swear in eleven newly confirmed justices of the Supreme Court. President Bola Tinubu had requested Senate confirmation for these justices, following the National Judicial Council’s recommendation for their elevation from the Court of Appeal.
The Supreme Court’s current composition stands at 10 justices, with recent departures due to the passing of Justice Centus Nweze and the retirements of Justices Amina Augie and Dattijo Muhammad. Upon confirmation, the 11 new justices will bring the Supreme Court back to its full complement of 21 justices, as stipulated by the law.
However, this development comes amid conflicting interests, with some elements in the presidency reportedly advocating for the continuation of Chief Justice Ariwoola beyond his scheduled retirement. This push has prompted discussions about extending the retirement age to 75 years, potentially paving the way for Chief Justice Ariwoola to remain at the helm of the apex court. to be in office beyond 2027.
