Grounds for Questioning Elections in Nigeria Emerging Jurisprudence and Legal Implications
Keywords:
Corrupt Practices, Disqualification, Election, Election Petition, Ground, Non- Compliance, Qualification
Abstract
This study thoroughly examines the legal dimensions surrounding the grounds underpinning election petitions in Nigeria. It elucidates the legal and procedural aspects that shape the landscape of electoral dispute resolution. Elections, a cornerstone of democratic governance, often generate disputes requiring judicial resolution. Nigeria has witnessed a history of contested elections, prompting a critical evaluation of the grounds for election petitions. The study employs descriptive research to comprehensively review relevant legal frameworks, statutes, and case law to identify critical areas where legal ambiguities, loopholes, or violations have given rise to challenges, focusing on the specific grounds that allow for filing election petitions. The analysis encompasses key issues of qualification, allegations of electoral malpractices, voter irregularities, and disputes over the interpretation and application of election laws. By analysing precedents and legal interpretations, the paper clarified the parameters that guide the initiation and adjudication of election petitions. In conclusion, this study offers a valuable analysis of the legal landscape and insights into the grounds for election petitions in Nigeria, providing an understanding of the legal and procedural frameworks underlying electoral dispute resolution. By identifying areas of improvement and potential reforms, the paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on enhancing the integrity and fairness of the electoral adjudicatory process in Nigeria.References
1. Akeredolu, A., Election Petition Practice and Procedure in Nigeria: A Practitioners Guide (St. Paul Publishing House, Ibadan, 2012).
2. Akinseye-George, Y., Cases and Materials on Election Petitions & Appeals (Post 2010. (Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, Abuja, 2019).
3. Alobo J. O., Jurisprudence of Election Petition (Diamondreal Resources Consult, Abuja, 2011).
4. Aso, O. A., ‘Rationalising Judicial Intervention in Nigeria’s Electoral Process - Between Administration of Justice and Judicializing Elections.’ [2023] 7 ULR, 143.
5. Ibe, C. E. and Onyekachi, U. H. ‘Proving Substantial Non-Compliance in Election Petition under the Nigerian Electoral Act: A Mirage or A Reality?’ [2021] 2 ACRLR, 64.
6. Ikoroha, K. P., ‘Fatal Blunders in Election Petitions.’ [2023] 1(1) LBJ, 189.
7. Ikoroha, K. P., Modern Nigerian Election Petitions and Appeals Law (Kings Bench Division Publishers Ltd, 2021).
8. Iwuagwu, E. K., ‘The Concept of Citizenship: Its Application and Denial in the Contemporary Nigerian Society.’ [2015] 8(1) IJRASS, 165
9. Leke K. and Alatise, T., ‘Burden of Proof in Election Petition in Nigeria and the Implication of Section 137 of the Electoral Act, 2022.’ [2023] 14 (2) NAUJILJ, 26.
10. Ogbu, O. N., ‘The Doctrine of Substantial Compliance in Election Petitions in Nigeria: The Imperative of a New Judicial Approach’ [2010] 6(1) NBA, 48.
11. Olatubora, A., Electoral Law and Practice in Nigeria (Aderemi Olatubora & Co., Akure, 2006).
12. Olatubora, R. P., Election Litigation in Nigeria (2nd edn., Aderemi Olatubora & Co., Abuja/Akure, 2022).
13. Omotola, S. and Owoeye, G., ‘Judicialisation of Electoral Outcomes in Nigeria: Case of 2019 Presidential Election.’ [2022] 15(7) BJLP 212.
14. Onamade, P. A., Advocacy in Election Petition (Philade Co. Ltd, Lagos, 2023).
15. Osadolor, F. O., ‘Constitutional Grounds for Questioning Elections in Nigeria: An Overview’ [2019] JPL, 12(3) 173
16. Quadri, F., Handbook on Cardinal Principles of Election Petition (Life Gate Publishing Co. Ltd, Ibadan, 2012).
17. Sagay, I. E., The Enforcement of Electoral Laws and Case Law of 2007 Election Petition Judgments (Spectrum Books Ltd., 2012).
2. Akinseye-George, Y., Cases and Materials on Election Petitions & Appeals (Post 2010. (Centre for Socio-Legal Studies, Abuja, 2019).
3. Alobo J. O., Jurisprudence of Election Petition (Diamondreal Resources Consult, Abuja, 2011).
4. Aso, O. A., ‘Rationalising Judicial Intervention in Nigeria’s Electoral Process - Between Administration of Justice and Judicializing Elections.’ [2023] 7 ULR, 143.
5. Ibe, C. E. and Onyekachi, U. H. ‘Proving Substantial Non-Compliance in Election Petition under the Nigerian Electoral Act: A Mirage or A Reality?’ [2021] 2 ACRLR, 64.
6. Ikoroha, K. P., ‘Fatal Blunders in Election Petitions.’ [2023] 1(1) LBJ, 189.
7. Ikoroha, K. P., Modern Nigerian Election Petitions and Appeals Law (Kings Bench Division Publishers Ltd, 2021).
8. Iwuagwu, E. K., ‘The Concept of Citizenship: Its Application and Denial in the Contemporary Nigerian Society.’ [2015] 8(1) IJRASS, 165
9. Leke K. and Alatise, T., ‘Burden of Proof in Election Petition in Nigeria and the Implication of Section 137 of the Electoral Act, 2022.’ [2023] 14 (2) NAUJILJ, 26.
10. Ogbu, O. N., ‘The Doctrine of Substantial Compliance in Election Petitions in Nigeria: The Imperative of a New Judicial Approach’ [2010] 6(1) NBA, 48.
11. Olatubora, A., Electoral Law and Practice in Nigeria (Aderemi Olatubora & Co., Akure, 2006).
12. Olatubora, R. P., Election Litigation in Nigeria (2nd edn., Aderemi Olatubora & Co., Abuja/Akure, 2022).
13. Omotola, S. and Owoeye, G., ‘Judicialisation of Electoral Outcomes in Nigeria: Case of 2019 Presidential Election.’ [2022] 15(7) BJLP 212.
14. Onamade, P. A., Advocacy in Election Petition (Philade Co. Ltd, Lagos, 2023).
15. Osadolor, F. O., ‘Constitutional Grounds for Questioning Elections in Nigeria: An Overview’ [2019] JPL, 12(3) 173
16. Quadri, F., Handbook on Cardinal Principles of Election Petition (Life Gate Publishing Co. Ltd, Ibadan, 2012).
17. Sagay, I. E., The Enforcement of Electoral Laws and Case Law of 2007 Election Petition Judgments (Spectrum Books Ltd., 2012).
Published
2025-10-28
How to Cite
Aso, O., Alabi, M. and Nasir, M. (2025) “Grounds for Questioning Elections in Nigeria Emerging Jurisprudence and Legal Implications”, Journal of Law and Social Sciences, 6(4). doi: https://doi.org/10.53974/unza.jlss.6.4.1589.
Section
Law