House of Reps Adopts Digital Delivery for Election Petitions

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives in Nigeria adopted a report from the Committee on Electoral Matters, amending the Electoral Act of 2026 to introduce a technology-driven model for the delivery of court papers concerning election petitions. This amendment aims to enhance the efficiency and clarity of the electoral dispute resolution process ahead of the 2027 elections.

The proposed changes include the introduction of flexible service methods such as electronic transmission and physical delivery, mandating candidates to provide contact details. The amendments also empower the Federal High Court to exercise original jurisdiction over pre-election matters, while restricting the Supreme Court's jurisdiction in these cases.

The committee, led by Adebayo Balogun and supported by Deputy Speaker Dr. Benjamin Kalu, emphasized that these changes would reduce delays and improve the credibility of the electoral system in Nigeria, aligning with international best practices for electoral dispute resolution.