In a groundbreaking move, the Nigerian House of Representatives is considering a historic bill that could reshape the nation’s election dispute resolution process. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to make the Court of Appeal the final authority in disputes related to governorship, and National and State Houses of Assembly elections, effectively removing the Supreme Court from the equation.
Sponsored by Nnamdi Ezechi, the lawmaker for Ndokwa East/Ndokwa West/Ukwani Federal Constituency in Delta State, the bill successfully passed its second reading on Tuesday during plenary. Ezechi outlined that the amendment aims to alter Section 246, Subsection (3) of the 1999 Constitution, which currently allows appeals from governorship election petitions to be taken all the way to the Supreme Court. The new amendment proposes to delete this section and instead make the Court of Appeal the final court for all election-related disputes.
The bill’s supporters argue that this change will streamline the election process and reduce unnecessary delays in announcing the final winners of governorship elections. Ezechi emphasized that once the Court of Appeal rules, the declared winner can immediately focus on governance, without the prolonged uncertainty that often accompanies appeals to the Supreme Court.
Additionally, the proposed reform would cut costs associated with lengthy election litigations, which often drain financial resources from all parties involved. Ezechi pointed out that terminating election disputes at the appellate court would alleviate the financial burden on the litigants, saving money for both the government and the public.
The bill has now been referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, for further deliberation and legislative action.
This bold move could significantly impact Nigeria’s electoral landscape by ensuring faster resolutions and greater stability in the aftermath of elections.
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