The Senate Thursday passed the 2026 Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, introducing clearer rules on which courts can hear pre‑election disputes in a bid to curb conflicting judgments and delays.
The bill was passed following the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on INEC, chaired by Senator Simon Lalong, (APC Plateau South), who said the amendment seeks to resolve longstanding gaps around timelines and jurisdiction in pre‑election matters, which have led to inconsistent court rulings and forum shopping.
“Democracy thrives not merely on the conduct of elections, but also on the credibility, certainty and predictability of the legal processes that precede the elections.
“The legitimacy of candidates and the integrity of party primaries are foundational pillars of representative democracy. Where the legal framework regulating pre‑election disputes is uncertain or conflicting, the entire electoral architecture becomes vulnerable to confusion, forum shopping, contradictory judgments and unnecessary delays,” Lalong said.
The bill amends Section 29 of the Electoral Act and introduces a new Section 29A to define jurisdictional competence. Under the proposal, an aspirant can file a suit either in the Federal Capital Territory or in the jurisdiction where the cause of action arose, a move Lalong said would reduce hardship for litigants and improve access to justice.
More significantly, Section 29A establishes a clear structure: pre‑election matters involving the National Assembly, governorship and state houses of assembly will originate at the Federal High Court, with appeals going to the Court of Appeal.
Matters relating to the offices of president and vice president will originate at the Court of Appeal exercising original jurisdiction, with appeals lying to the Supreme Court.