Reps endorse Akande for ICJ seat

The House of Representatives has endorsed the candidature of Nigerian-born international law scholar, Prof. Dapo Akande, for a seat on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027–2036 term.

 

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu announced the endorsement on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by Akande and officials of the British High Commission to the National Assembly in Abuja.

 

Kalu described Akande’s nomination by the United Kingdom as recognition of his outstanding contributions to international law and a reflection of Nigeria’s impact on the global stage.

 

“As Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, it is my honour to receive Professor Akande and to state clearly, as a Nigerian and a parliamentarian, that his candidacy for the International Court of Justice commands the admiration and support of this House,” he said.

 

He noted that the nomination highlighted the growing relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom and reinforced the need for stronger African representation on the world’s highest judicial body.

 

“The nomination of a Nigerian-born scholar to the world’s highest judicial bench is not symbolic; it is recognition of a shared legal destiny. Africa’s presence on the world’s highest bench is not a matter of sentiment. It is a matter of justice,” Kalu stated.

 

The Deputy Speaker praised Akande’s academic and professional achievements, noting that his journey began in Nigeria before earning global recognition.

 

“Everything you have become — from Chichele Professor of Public International Law at All Souls College, Oxford, to counsel before the ICJ and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, to a member of the UN International Law Commission — began in Nigeria.

 

“It began with an LLB from Obafemi Awolowo University and a call to the Nigerian Bar. This House receives you proudly as a son of the soil,” he said.

 

Kalu also commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and urged the Federal Government to mobilise support for Akande’s candidature through the African Union, ECOWAS and the United Nations General Assembly.

 

He expressed confidence that Akande’s experience representing countries and international organisations would position him to make meaningful contributions to the court.

 

The Deputy Speaker further challenged the scholar to uphold justice and fairness if elected, noting that the ICJ is currently handling a growing number of cases involving genocide, armed conflicts and territorial disputes.

 

“Africa does not merely need judges. It needs judges who understand that law is not description; it is protection,” Kalu said.

 

Earlier, Akande said he was in Nigeria to seek support for his candidature.

 

He commended Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and praised the National Assembly’s role in strengthening constitutional democracy.

 

Akande pledged that, if elected, he would work to advance the rule of law and promote international justice.