The 1999 Constitution (as amended) sets the rules for Nigerian elections. Here are the key provisions every voter and candidate should know.
Eligibility to Vote:
- •Must be a Nigerian citizen (Section 77)
- •Must be at least 18 years old
- •Must be registered with INEC
- •Must present a valid PVC at the polling unit
Presidential Eligibility (Section 131):
- •Nigerian citizen by birth
- •At least 40 years old
- •Member of a political party
- •Minimum school certificate education
- •Not convicted of any offense involving dishonesty
Gubernatorial Eligibility (Section 177):
- •Nigerian citizen by birth
- •At least 35 years old
- •Member of a political party
- •Minimum school certificate education
Election Timing (Section 76):
- •General elections must be held not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the current term
- •The President's term expires on May 29 every four years
Election Disputes (Section 285):
- •Election petitions must be filed within 21 days of the result declaration
- •The Election Tribunal must deliver judgment within 180 days
- •Appeals go to the Court of Appeal, then the Supreme Court
- •The Supreme Court's decision is final
Campaign Finance:
- •Presidential: N5 billion
- •Gubernatorial: N1 billion
- •Senate: N100 million
- •House of Representatives: N70 million
These limits are widely seen as aspirational rather than enforced.