RismadarVoice Reporters
May 7, 2026
The Senate on Thursday passed the 2026 Electoral Act Amendment Bill aimed at clarifying court jurisdiction in the handling of pre-election disputes and strengthening Nigeria’s electoral justice system.
The bill was passed after the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), chaired by Senator Simon Lalong (APC–Plateau), during plenary.
The proposed amendment seeks to address gaps, timelines and jurisdictional conflicts that have continued to generate uncertainty and contradictory judgments in pre-election matters.
Leading debate on the bill, Lalong said the amendment was designed to tackle persistent procedural and constitutional challenges in Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence, particularly the multiplicity of suits and conflicting interpretations by courts of coordinate jurisdiction.
He said democracy depends not only on the conduct of elections but also on the credibility and predictability of legal processes leading to elections.
“The legitimacy of candidates and the integrity of party primaries are foundational pillars of representative democracy,” he said.
Lalong explained that the amendment targets Section 29 of the Electoral Act and introduces a new Section 29A to clearly define jurisdictional competence in pre-election matters.
According to him, the bill provides that aspirants may institute actions either in the Federal Capital Territory or in the jurisdiction where the cause of action arose.
He said the new Section 29A establishes that pre-election matters relating to National Assembly, governorship and State House of Assembly elections shall originate at the Federal High Court, with appeals going to the Court of Appeal.
Under the amendment, disputes involving presidential and vice-presidential elections will originate at the Court of Appeal exercising original jurisdiction, while appeals will lie at the Supreme Court.
Lalong said the proposal was rooted in constitutional logic and judicial efficiency, adding that it would eliminate forum shopping and multiple suits filed in different judicial divisions in search of favourable judgments.
He noted that the amendment would enhance judicial discipline, reduce delays and restore public confidence in the electoral process.
“The amendment before us is not merely procedural; it is institutional. It strengthens electoral justice, deepens democratic accountability and reinforces public confidence in our electoral process,” he said.
Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC–Borno), who seconded the motion, described the amendment as timely and necessary, saying it would improve electoral litigation in the country.
Following its passage, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the committee for its work on the bill and expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would assent to it.
Akpabio said the amendment would further deepen democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
