How To Question An Election Result In Nigeria

An aggrieved party or candidate in an election can challenge the validity of the election. The Electoral Act 2022 (hereinafter referred to as the Act) and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) (The Constitution) provide for the process and procedure for challenging the validity of an election. This article explores the procedure and requirements for challenging the validity of an election.

A party aggrieved by the outcome of an election can challenge the election by filing a petition at the appropriate court with jurisdiction to hear and determine the petition.

JURISDICTION OVER ELECTION PETITION

Section 239 of the Constitution provides that the Court of Appeal shall have exclusive jurisdiction to determine the validity of election to the office of President or Vice President.