Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, seeking the reassignment of his ongoing case from Justice R. M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Kaduna Division.

In a petition dated April 9, 2026, El-Rufai requested that the matter be transferred to another judge, citing concerns over alleged bias and what he described as questionable judicial conduct. He argued that Justice Aikawa’s continued handling of the case would be inconsistent with established legal and ethical standards.

El-Rufai further noted that multiple petitions alleging bias against the judge are currently pending before both the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the National Judicial Council (NJC).

According to the former governor, the circumstances of the case—particularly its links to earlier proceedings involving the same parties and related issues—necessitate reassignment. He emphasized that even the perception of bias could undermine public confidence in the judicial process.

He also warned that allowing the current arrangement to continue could affect the credibility of the judiciary and potentially lead to the case being overturned on appeal, after significant personal and legal consequences.

El-Rufai maintained that the case should either have been assigned to a different judge from the outset or reassigned once concerns were raised. He urged the Chief Justice to order an immediate transfer of the matter to another judge, either within or outside the Kaduna Division.

In addition, he called for the issues raised in his petition, including allegations concerning Justice Aikawa’s conduct, to be referred to the appropriate authorities within the NJC for review.

He also appealed for administrative measures to safeguard the integrity of the proceedings and sustain public trust in the justice system.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Chief Justice of Nigeria or other relevant judicial authorities.