Group seeks ending gov, NASS election petitions at Court of Appeal

The Independent Judicial Accountability Panel has advocated for a dual-tier system for election litigation involving National Assembly and gubernatorial races, with disputes settling at the Court of Appeal as the ultimate court, barring exceptional cases. Furthermore, the panel advocated for the dissolution of the Chief Justice of Nigeria's office to enhance transparency and limit power concentration.

These recommendations were presented at the fifth session of the panel, held in Abuja. The panel, presided over by retired Justice Mojeet Owoade, suggested that election petitions originating from House of Representatives, Senate, and gubernatorial elections should be adjudicated in two stages, concluding at the Court of Appeal, overseen by a five-member panel.

However, they also proposed that exceptional scenarios may warrant an appeal to the Supreme Court, contingent on the court's approval. Additionally, the panel proposed a five-year prohibition for past INEC employees from engaging in partisan politics post their tenure, urging an amendment to Section 156(1)(a) of the Constitution to bar former political appointees and staff retiring at the directorate level from entering politics for five years following their departure from INEC.

The panel also proposed constitutional recognition of independent candidacies to curb godfatherism and foster broader electoral participation. They urged an amendment to the constitution to allow citizens to file public interest litigation regarding Electoral Act and constitutional breaches during elections. Lastly, the panel reiterated their call for the unbundling of the Chief Justice's office, recommending the establishment of deputy heads of courts with explicit roles and responsibilities.