Case Study
Detailed view of our legal work and achievements.
Expert legal representation in election disputes, political litigation, and electoral law matters with deep understanding of Nigeria's evolving political landscape and current developments.
A historic development in Nigerian politics as opposition parties formally adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. The coalition includes prominent figures like former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. However, internal ADC factions have expressed resistance to this adoption, creating potential legal challenges ahead.
Our Election Petition & Political Law practice stands at the forefront of Nigeria's democratic processes, providing comprehensive legal services across all aspects of electoral law, political litigation, and constitutional matters. With Nigeria's complex multi-party democracy and evolving electoral framework, our team combines deep constitutional expertise with practical courtroom experience to navigate the intricate landscape of election disputes and political law.
We represent political parties, candidates, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders in election-related matters, from pre-election litigation through post-election disputes. Our practice encompasses the full spectrum of electoral law under the Electoral Act 2022, Constitutional provisions, and emerging jurisprudence from recent landmark cases including the 2023 presidential election petitions.
Nigeria's election petition system operates under strict timelines and procedural requirements as established by the Electoral Act 2022 and constitutional provisions.
Election petitions are governed by the Electoral Act 2022, the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and tribunal rules. The system provides for specialized tribunals at different levels with specific jurisdictions and timelines that must be strictly adhered to.
Days from declaration of results by INEC to file election petition
Days for tribunal to hear and determine election petition
Days to file appeal after tribunal judgment
Days for appellate court to determine appeal
Draft comprehensive petition with specific grounds, evidence, and reliefs sought within the 21-day statutory deadline.
Serve petition on all respondents including INEC, winning candidate, and their political party as required by law.
Address any preliminary objections raised by respondents regarding jurisdiction, competence, or procedural compliance.
Present witnesses, documentary evidence, and expert testimony to prove allegations of electoral malpractice or non-compliance.
Submit written and oral arguments summarizing evidence and legal grounds for granting the petition.
Receive tribunal judgment and pursue appeals to higher courts if necessary within statutory timelines.
Our practice covers all categories of election petitions across Nigeria's electoral system with specialized expertise in each area.
Direct filing at Court of Appeal level with specialized five-member panels for presidential election disputes.
State-level gubernatorial election disputes heard by Election Petition Tribunals with appeals to Court of Appeal.
Senate and House of Representatives election disputes including constituency boundary and candidate qualification issues.
State House of Assembly election disputes with focus on local constituency matters and candidate eligibility.
Council election disputes under state electoral laws and State Independent Electoral Commission procedures.
Primary election challenges, candidate selection disputes, and internal party democracy matters.
Strategic legal intervention before elections to ensure electoral integrity and candidate qualification compliance.
Educational qualification verification, age requirements, and constitutional eligibility assessments.
Monitoring and challenging irregularities in political party primary elections and candidate selection processes.
Ensuring electoral commission compliance with statutory requirements and constitutional provisions.
Constituency boundary disputes and electoral ward creation or modification challenges.
Challenging or defending INEC guidelines and regulations for specific elections.
Voter registration challenges, disenfranchisement prevention, and polling unit arrangements.
Comprehensive legal services for political party registration, operations, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
The recent opposition coalition's adoption of ADC has created internal party tensions, with some factions rejecting the move. This development highlights the complex legal framework governing political party operations and coalition agreements. Former Kaduna Governor El-Rufai has indicated plans to register a new party as a backup option, demonstrating the strategic legal considerations in political party formation.
New political party registration with INEC, meeting constitutional requirements and compliance frameworks.
Drafting and reviewing party constitutions, internal governance structures, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Structuring political alliances, merger negotiations, and coalition governance arrangements.
Primary election procedures, leadership selection processes, and internal party dispute resolution.
Ongoing regulatory compliance, financial reporting, and INEC registration maintenance.
Internal party disciplinary actions, membership disputes, and expulsion procedures.
Expert constitutional interpretation and electoral law analysis in the context of Nigeria's democratic framework.
Complex constitutional questions relating to electoral processes, federalism, and democratic governance.
Comprehensive guidance on Electoral Act 2022 provisions, amendments, and implementation guidelines.
Political rights enforcement, freedom of association, and protection of democratic participation.
Advocacy for electoral law reforms, policy analysis, and legislative drafting support.
Challenging administrative decisions by electoral bodies and government agencies affecting electoral processes.
Aligning Nigerian electoral practices with international democratic standards and best practices.
Our involvement in significant election petition cases that have shaped Nigeria's electoral jurisprudence.
Representing parties in the landmark presidential election petitions that established new precedents in electoral law.
Successfully handling multiple gubernatorial election petitions across various states with favorable outcomes.
Representing candidates in Senate and House of Representatives election disputes with constitutional implications.
Landmark cases establishing principles for internal party democracy and primary election conduct.
Cases involving BVAS, IReV, and other electoral technologies with implications for future elections.
Fundamental constitutional questions affecting electoral processes and democratic governance.
Strategic legal preparation for the 2027 general elections with focus on emerging political dynamics.
With the opposition coalition's adoption of ADC and ongoing political realignments, early legal preparation is crucial for the 2027 elections. Our team provides strategic guidance on party registration, coalition agreements, and pre-election compliance to ensure clients are well-positioned for the electoral cycle.
Structuring political coalitions, alliance agreements, and joint candidate selection processes.
Advising on new party registration, including backup party options for coalition arrangements.
Early vetting of potential candidates for constitutional and statutory qualification requirements.
Monitoring and advising on potential electoral law amendments and regulatory changes.
Preparing for enhanced electoral technologies and digital voting systems implementation.
Facilitating international election observation and ensuring compliance with global democratic standards.
Supporting civil society organizations in election monitoring, voter education, and democratic participation.
Legal framework for election observation, monitoring accreditation, and observer rights protection.
Legal support for voter education initiatives, civic engagement programs, and democratic participation.
Policy advocacy for electoral reforms, democratic governance, and institutional strengthening.
Protecting electoral rights, preventing voter intimidation, and ensuring free and fair elections.
Promoting electoral transparency, campaign finance disclosure, and accountability mechanisms.
Facilitating international partnerships for democratic development and electoral assistance.
Our Election Petition & Political Law practice combines deep constitutional expertise with practical electoral experience to provide comprehensive legal solutions for Nigeria's democratic processes. We stay current with political developments, maintain strong relationships with electoral stakeholders, and deliver strategic legal advice that supports democratic governance and electoral integrity.
Our Election Petition & Political Law practice is led by experienced constitutional lawyers and electoral law experts with extensive courtroom experience and deep understanding of Nigeria's political landscape.