YMonitor Election Series: All You Should Know About Election Petitions

If one thing’s for sure post election, it’s the election petitions that aggrieved parties will file. Election petitions allow candidates to seek redress in court if they believe their mandate was stolen.

What are election petitions?

Election petitions are legal challenges filed after an election to dispute the results or conduct of the election.

Who are the people that can file election petitions?

Only candidates or political parties participating in an election can challenge its outcome. Sorry, no meddling for outsiders!

Where are election petitions addressed?

Election results can be contested in Election Petition Tribunals for Governorship and National/State Assembly elections and in the Court of Appeal for Presidential elections.

Appeals from the Court of Appeal for Presidential elections go to the Supreme Court, while those from National/State Assemblies go to the Court of Appeal, the final court for these. For petitions arising out of Governorship Elections, further appeals go to the Supreme Court!

What are the time limits for election petitions?

You have 21 days after the declaration of the election result to file an election petition. Hearings and determination of petitions should wrap up within 240 days, including the 60 days for appeal.