Panel Proposes Two-Level Election Litigation System

The Independent Judicial Accountability Panel, chaired by retired Justice Mojeet Owoade, has called for a two-level system of election litigation for National Assembly and governorship elections, with appeals concluding at the Court of Appeal, except in exceptional circumstances. This recommendation was made during the fifth session of the panel held in Abuja.

The panel suggested that election petitions for the House of Representatives, Senate, and governorship elections should be determined by a five-member panel at the Court of Appeal. It also proposed a five-year ban on former officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from engaging in partisan politics after leaving the commission.

Additionally, the panel advocated for constitutional amendments to recognize independent candidacy and allow citizens to initiate public interest litigation regarding breaches of the Electoral Act. Furthermore, it recommended unbundling the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria to enhance transparency and reduce power concentration.