ELECTORAL DISPUTES
How to challenge results and protect your vote.
TRIBUNAL HIERARCHY
Source: Electoral Act 2026 and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended)
KEY DEADLINES
FILING DEADLINES - VERIFY IMMEDIATELY
Source: Electoral Act 2026; verify current petition provisions
GROUNDS FOR PETITION
Corrupt Practices
Vote buying, inducement, violence or intimidation of voters or officials.
Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with applicable electoral law and INEC rules in conducting the election.
Candidate Ineligibility
Candidate did not meet constitutional qualifications at time of election.
Impersonation
Voters or agents impersonated registered voters at the poll.
Overvoting
Votes cast exceed the number of accredited voters at a polling unit.
Result Discrepancy
Differences between polling-unit result sheets, announced results, and IReV records may support a petition when properly proved.
EVIDENCE GUIDE — STEP BY STEP
Preserve Public Results
Save public IReV records and any lawful polling-unit result materials available to your party or agent.
Obtain Form EC8A Copies
Polling-unit results are declared on Form EC8A. Party agents should retain lawful copies signed at close of count.
Document Chain of Custody
Keep dates, sources, and custody records for each document or media item before handing materials to counsel.
Consult Counsel Immediately
Election petition deadlines are strict. A qualified election lawyer should confirm the filing window and forum.
Serve Respondents Properly
Service rules are technical. Confirm respondents, service method, and deadline with tribunal rules and counsel.
Pre-Hearing Conference
Tribunal schedules a pre-hearing to set the timetable, agree on witnesses, and narrow issues.
Hearing - Evidence and Witnesses
Present witnesses and documentary evidence through counsel under the tribunal rules.
IREV AS EVIDENCE
INEC RESULT VIEWING PORTAL (IReV)
The INEC Result Viewing Portal publishes polling-unit result records for public viewing. Use IReV alongside signed result sheets and legal advice; admissibility depends on tribunal rules and how evidence is proved.
Important: IReV disputes are technical. Courts generally require proof that any non-compliance was substantial and affected the result; counsel should confirm the current authorities.
Best practice: preserve public IReV records, signed Form EC8A copies held by agents, witness notes, and a clear source log before handing materials to counsel.
FILING COSTS
Fees and registry requirements vary. Verify directly with the relevant election petition tribunal registry before filing.
Filing fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the relevant court registry before filing. Verify official election information
WHO CAN FILE
ELIGIBLE PETITIONERS
- A candidate in the election
- A political party that participated in the election
NOT ELIGIBLE TO FILE
Individual voters — only candidates and registered political parties that participated in the specific election may file a petition. Voters cannot petition directly.
RELATED NEWS
SOURCES
Election petition deadlines and service rules are technical and strict. Consult a qualified election lawyer immediately after an election dispute arises.