Sunusi Musa SAN
Principal Partner
Specialised
Election Petitions
Pre-election and post-election litigation for candidates and political parties, from the tribunals to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
Overview
Election disputes run on strict constitutional timelines, and a missed deadline can end a case. We act for candidates and political parties in pre-election matters and in petitions challenging or defending a declared result.
Members of our team have acted in governorship election matters in Kano and Kaduna States (2019 and 2023), Bayelsa State (2016) and Taraba State, at the tribunals, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, and in petitions for legislators and candidates in the 2015 and 2019 general elections.
We advise on primaries and nominations under the Electoral Act 2022, prepare and respond to petitions, manage the gathering of documentary and witness evidence, and handle appeals. Because time runs from the declaration of results, we work to have the facts and documents assembled before the window closes.
What we do
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Our Expertise Challenging Election Results
We provide comprehensive legal services for clients seeking to challenge election outcomes due to irregularities, fraud, or non-compliance with electoral laws.
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Defense Against Petitions
Our attorneys are skilled in defending clients against election petitions, leveraging our deep understanding of electoral laws and regulations to protect our clients' interests.
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Advisory Services
We offer expert advice on electoral law compliance, helping candidates and political parties navigate the complexities of electoral regulations to avoid legal pitfalls.
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Pre-Election Disputes
Our practice also covers pre-election matters, including candidate nominations, party primaries, and other preparatory legal challenges that may arise before the polls.
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Post-Election Litigation
Preparing, filing and defending election petitions before the tribunals, and handling appeals to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court within the constitutional timelines.
Our team
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Abdulrazak Abdulganiyu
Senior Associate
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Muzzammil Yahaya
FAQs
Twenty-one days after the declaration of the result, under section 285(5) of the Constitution. The tribunal must then deliver judgment within 180 days of the filing of the petition, and any appeal must be decided within 60 days of that judgment.
A dispute about the conduct of party primaries, the nomination of candidates or the decisions of INEC before an election. It must be filed within 14 days of the event complained of.
It depends on the office. Appeals in presidential and governorship petitions go to the Supreme Court; appeals in National and State Assembly petitions end at the Court of Appeal.