ICJ November Election: Tuggar Presents Dr. Elias as Nigeria’s Candidate to Diplomatic Community

opeolumartinOctober 10, 202503 mins

Abuja, October 10, 2025

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has officially presented Dr. Taoheed Olufemi Elias as Nigeria’s candidate for the upcoming election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), scheduled for November 12, 2025. The announcement marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts to regain a seat at the UN’s principal judicial organ.

The ICJ, established in 1945, is widely recognized as the highest court for resolving legal disputes between sovereign states. It serves as the United Nations’ main judicial body, ensuring the peaceful settlement of international disputes based on law.

Minister Tuggar described Dr. Elias, an eminent international lawyer and current ad hoc judge at the ICJ, as a distinguished figure with an impressive record of legal scholarship and experience in international law. “Dr. Elias brings both expertise and integrity to this role, making him a formidable candidate on the global stage,” Tuggar remarked during his presentation to the diplomatic community.
According to the Minister, this election represents a turning point for Nigeria. He emphasized that this is the strongest diplomatic bid Nigeria has made in over 30 years to reclaim a seat on the ICJ bench. “Our candidate embodies Nigeria’s commitment to justice and international law,” Tuggar stated.

The nomination of Dr. Elias is not only a matter of national pride but also carries significance for the entire Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub-region. Since Judge Abdul Koroma of Sierra Leone left the court in 2011, the region has lacked representation on the ICJ. Dr. Elias’s candidacy offers an opportunity to restore that presence and influence.
As the election approaches, Nigeria’s diplomatic corps is mobilizing support among UN member states, highlighting Dr. Elias’s credentials and the importance of equitable regional representation on the Court.

The November 12 election will be closely watched by the international community, with Nigeria hopeful that Dr. Elias’s nomination will secure a seat and reinforce the country’s role as a key player in international law and diplomacy.