The Nigerian Senate has passed an amendment to the Electoral Act aimed at resolving conflicting court judgments in pre-election disputes and reducing delays in electoral litigation, according to TheCable.
The amendment introduces a new Section 29A to clearly define which courts have jurisdiction over different categories of pre-election cases. Lawmakers said the move is designed to stop “forum shopping,” where litigants seek favorable rulings from multiple courts.
Under the proposed changes, pre-election disputes involving National Assembly, state assembly, governorship, and deputy governorship elections will begin at the Federal High Court, with appeals going to the Court of Appeal. Presidential election-related pre-election cases will originate at the Court of Appeal, with final appeals ending at the Supreme Court.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Simon Lalong, said the bill seeks to address uncertainty and contradictory rulings that have weakened confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Lalong stated that unclear jurisdiction has led to abuse of judicial processes, constitutional tension between courts, and prolonged electoral disputes.
The Senate said the amendment is intended to strengthen legal certainty ahead of future elections and improve public confidence in the judiciary and electoral system.
