ELECTORAL OFFENCES TRIBUNAL ESTABLISHMENT BILL

What Is This Policy?

A bill to establish a dedicated Electoral Offences Tribunal to prosecute and adjudicate electoral offences in Nigeria, separate from the regular court system.

Who Does It Target?

Electoral offenders, political parties, candidates, INEC, law enforcement agencies, and the general public.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Strengthen enforcement of electoral laws, deter electoral offences, ensure swift prosecution of electoral crimes, and improve public confidence in the electoral process.

Key Features

Dedicated Tribunal: Creates a specialized court for prosecuting electoral offences Swift Justice: Designed to ensure speedy trial and disposition of electoral offence cases Deterrence: Aims to deter electoral malpractice through effective prosecution

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Under legislative consideration Coverage: Nationwide; all electoral offences Funding: Federal Government appropriation

How to Access

Not yet operational. Cases will be filed through the tribunal upon establishment.

Impact & Metrics

Would significantly improve accountability for electoral offences and strengthen Nigeria's democratic process.

Official Resources

Website: nass.gov.ng Contact: National Assembly, Three Arms Zone, Abuja

Legal Framework

Introduced under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Draws on the Electoral Act 2022, the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution on INEC, and the Constitution provisions on election dispute resolution (Sections 132-141). Aligns with the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.