The House of Representatives has endorsed the candidacy of Nigerian-born international law scholar, Professor Dapo Akande, for election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027–2036 term.
The endorsement was announced on Wednesday by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, 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 a recognition of his outstanding contributions to international law and a reflection of Nigeria’s global influence.
“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 added that the nomination underscored the strengthening relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as well as the importance of African representation on global judicial institutions.
“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,” Kalu said. “Africa’s presence on the world’s highest bench is not a matter of sentiment; it is a matter of justice.”
Kalu noted that Akande’s academic and professional journey had brought pride to Nigeria, recalling that he began his legal education in the country before attaining 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 membership of the UN International Law Commission — began in Nigeria,” he said. “It began with an LLB from Obafemi Awolowo University and your call to the Nigerian Bar. This House receives you proudly as a son of the soil.”
He also commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and expressed optimism about Akande’s prospects.
Kalu urged the Federal Government to mobilise support for the candidacy through the African Union, ECOWAS, and the United Nations General Assembly.
According to him, Akande’s extensive experience advising states and international organisations positions him strongly to contribute meaningfully to the work of the court.
“Africa does not merely need judges; it needs judges who understand that law is not description, but protection,” he added.
Earlier, Akande said he was in Nigeria to seek the country’s support for his candidature.
He praised Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and commended the National Assembly for its role in strengthening democratic governance.
Akande assured that, if elected to the ICJ, he would work to advance international justice and reinforce the global rule of law.
