JUDGMENTS OF THE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNAL IN NIGERIA



ABSTRACT
Today, there is no doubt that election petition forms an intrinsic part of our democratic setting. This is because disputes and dissatisfaction are bound to arise from the conduct of elections and such disputes have to be resolved and determined by competent judicial bodies in order to maintain the interest of law and order in the country. In order to achieve this, the constitution has created Special adjudicatory bodies, known as the Tribunals. These include the National Assembly Election Tribunal, Governorship and Legislative House Election Tribunal and the Court of Appeal with exclusive jurisdiction on matters pertaining to the presidential election.
In Nigeria, irregular conducts from Governorship election are always challenged in the Tribunal by adverse parties. By challenging such irregularities, the result of the election may be reversed or upheld by the Tribunal. This paper therefore discusses the judgments of the Governorship election petition Tribunals in Nigeria. In the course of this discussion, references will be made to such states as: Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Sokoto, Rivers, Osun and Anambra States. This paper will also discuss the jurisdiction of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Nigeria. In writing this paper, much reliance was placed on the Election Act- both the 2006 edition and the Election Act as amended in 2010 as well as the decisions of Tribunals and court of the Appeal on election issues in Nigeria.


 

A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF THE JUDGMENTS OF THE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNAL IN NIGERIA

A LONG ESSAY SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF LAW,

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF BACHELOR OF LAW (LL.B) DEGREE OF FACULTY OF LAW

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page………………………………………………………………..           i
Certification…………………………………………………………….           ii
Dedication………………………………………………………………           iii
Acknowledgement………………………………………………………          iv
Table of contents………………………………………………………            .vi
Tables of cases………………………………………………………….        viii
Tables of statues………………………………………………………..           xiv
Abbreviation……………………………………………………………         xvi
Abstract………………………………………………………………..          xvii

CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
1.1       Background of the Study……………………………………….           1
1.2       Statement of the Problem……………………………………….           6
1.3       Research Questions……………………………………………..           7
1.4       Objectives of the Study………………………………………….          8
1.5       Research Methodology………………………………………….          9
1.6       The Significance of the Study…………………………………..           10
1.7       The Scope of the Study………………………………………….          11
1.8       The Limitations of the Study…………………………………….         11

CHAPTER TWO
DEFINITIONS OF TERMS, ORIGIN AND ESTABLISHMENT OF TRIBUNALS IN NIGERIA
2.1       Introduction………………………………………………………         13
2.2       Definition of Terms………………………………………………         13
2.2.1   Election ……….………………………………………………….         13
2.2.2   Tribunal…………………………………………………………..         16
2.2.3   Election Petition…………………………………………………          18
2.2.4   Judgment…………………………………………………………          20
2.3       Origin of Tribunal in Nigeria…………………………………….         21
2.4       Establishment of Tribunal in Nigeria……………………………..       23

CHAPTER THREE
JURISDICTION OF GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNALS IN NIGERIA
3.1       Introduction……………………………………………………….        27
3.2       Establishment / constitutive Jurisdiction…………………………      31
3.3       Subject matter Jurisdiction……………………………………….        41
3.4       Parties Jurisdiction………………………………………………..        46

CHAPTER FOUR
ASSESSMENT OF THE JUDGMENTS OF THE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNALS
4.1       Introduction…………………………………………………………     53
4.2       Ekiti State……………………………………………………………    54
4.3       Ondo State  ……………………………………………………  62
4.4       Edo State ……………………………………………………… 72
4.5       Sokoto State…………………………………………………………    83
4.6       Rivers State……………………………………….                                  92
4.7       Osun State…………………………………………………………..    101
4.8       Anambra State………………………………………………………   108
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION
5.1       Observations……………………………………………………….   117
5.2       Recommendations…………………………………………………   119
5.3       Conclusion…………………………………………………………   121
Bibliography……………………………………………………….   124

TABLE OF CASES
1.         Abbo v. Mbukurla (1999) 5 NWLR (pt. 663) 393 at 997……….        59
2.         Action congress  v. Kaigama (2008) 8 NWLR (pt. 1088) 165 at
180 para B-D. ……………………………………………………..       29
3.         Adefemi v. Abegunde (2004) 15 NWLR (pt. 895) p. 470 para E-F… 70
4.         Adeyemi Bellow v. Babatunde Omotosito & 3 ors (2008) 15 NWLR
            (pt. IIII) page 567…………………………………………………..       36
5.         Afoyebi v. Gov. of Oyo State (1999) 5 NWLR (pt. 344) p. 290 …….                          70
6.         African Newspaper v. F.R.N. (1985)2 NWLR (pt.6) p. 137……          46
7.         Agagu v. Dawoditt (1990) 7 NWLR (pt. 160) pg. 56……………        105
8.         Agagu v. Mimko (2009)7 NWLR (Pt. 1140) 343 at  390
para B-D…………………………………………………………63,30,38
9.         Agbaje v. Adugun (1993) I NWLR (pt. 269) p. 261…………….        104
10.       Ajadi v. Ajibola (2004) 16 NWLR (pt. 898) 91 at 95…………..          .59
11.       Aleigbe & Anor v. Kosimu & Ors  v Kosimu & ors.
(1965)All NLR p. 26 ………………………………………………   113
12.       Aliance for Democracy v. INEC & 3 ors (2004) EPR 288 page
304 pars.  C-E……………………………………………………..        36
13.       Ambare  v. Sylva (2005) 13 NWLR (Pt. 942) 319 at  438….    25
14.       Amechi v. INEC (2007) 18 NWLR (pt. 1065) p. 42………47,79,92,96
15.       Anambra state v. Nwankwo (1999) 5 NWLR (pt. 601) p. 134……     45
16.       Anatogu v. Iweka (1995) 8 NWLR (pt. 547)…………………..            105
17.       ANPP v. INEc (2004) 7 NWLR (pt. 871) page 31……………..            92
18        Attorney General  of Oyo State v. Farlakes Hotels Ltd (1985) 5 NWLR
(pt. 121) 255 at 290……………………………………………..           89
19        Attorney General  of Federation v. All Nigerian Peoples Party
(2003) 15 NWLR (pt. 544) 600………………………………….         14
20        Awolowo v. Shagari (1979) 12 NSCC page 87……………..………    5
21        Basheer v. Same (1992) 4 NWLR (pt. 236)………………………..     60
22.       Bella v. Governor of Kogi State (1997) p NWLR (pt. 521)
pg 492……………………………………………………………..      104
23.       Bichi v. Shekaran (2009) 7 NWLR (pt. 140) 342 at 297 paras G-H.      39
24.       Bob v. Akpan (2008) 7 NWLR (pt. 1087) page 449……………          44
25.       Bokola Adebusuyi v. Babatunde of Uligoye & ors (2004) 1
NWLR (pt. 920)  p. 140…………………………………………           47
26.       Buhari v. INEC (2008) 17 NWLR (pt. 1120) 246 at 351 paras F-G.     37
27.       Buhari v. Obasanjo (2005) 2 NWLR (pt. (pt. 910) 241
at 369-370………………………………………………………..60,116
28.       Chief Suleman M. Ajadi v. Simeon Sule Ajiho & ors (2004) 16
            NWLR (pt. 898), 91 at p. 158-159………………………………….    40
29        Chris Ngige v. Peter Obi (2010) 6  EPR page 1…………….……..108
30.       Dingyadi v. Wamako (2010) 6 EPR, 287………………………..     84
31.       Dusemo v. COP (1998) II NWLR (pt. 575) p. 547……………112
32.       Effiong v. Ikpene (1999) 6 NWLR (pt. 606) p. 260-277……….       67
33.       Ehianwo v. Oke (2008) 16 NWLR (pt. 1113) p. 521 para, B-G…    99
34.       Ejiogu v. Irona(2008) LPER-CA/PH/EPT/400/2007  (CON)…       106
35.       Emeka O. Emesir v. Calista Nwachukwu & Ors (1999)
3 NWLR(pt. 596) 590 at 604 …………………………………..33
36.       Emimiken v. Sylva (2008) 8 NWLR (pt.1088) 207 at 222
para B-C………………………………………………………….      46
37.       Ezuhimer Ohieri & Anor v. Adamu Akabeze & Ors (1992)
2 SCNJ(pt. 1) p.g 76……………………………………………            88
38.       Francis Esagbe v. Friday Agblor & Anor (1993) 13 SNJ
p.g 82-91   …………………………………………………….       88
39.       Furkaki v.  Dalhatus (2001) FLOWR (Pt. 55) Pg 501…………            28
40.       General Muhammend Buhari v. INEC and 2 ors (2006)
36 NSCQR 475 at p. 698 para B.C…………………………..          1
41.       Harastrup Adewale Olatunyi v. Tayo Akaarde & ors(2006)
2 EPR 962 at p. 971-972……………………………………….            41
42.       Harrunna v. Modipo (2004) 6 NWLR (pt. 900) p. 487………..58,60
43.       Hashim v. Minister F.C.T. (2002) 15 NWLR (pt. 789)p. 159……   82
44.       Ibaku v. Ebim (2010) 17 NWLR (pt. 1222) 286 at 315 para. C-E…  51
45.       Ibrahim v. J.S.C (1998) I NWLR (pt. 584) pg. 1………………….   70
46.       Ibrahim v. Sherift (2004) 14 NWLR (pt. 892) page 43;…………..    76
47.       Idris    v. ANPP (2008) 19 NWLR (Pt. 1120) P. 246………..      47,23
48.       Ikharaide v. Okoh (2009) 12 NWLR (pt. 1154) p. 31 para. E-F…     50
49.       INEC v. Action congress (2009) 2 NWLR (pt. 1126) page 542…..   66
50.       INEC v. Onyimbah (2004) 14 NWLR (pt. 892) 92 at p. 123………  48
51.       Jang v. Dariye (2003) 15 NWLR (pt. 843) page 430………….. …   92
52.       Kabo Air Ltd v. INCO Beverages ltd (2003) FWLR (pt.136) pg. 9441(200) 6 NWLR (pt. 816)  pg. ……………………………..               107
53        Kossen (Nig.) Ltd. V. Savannah Bank (1995) 12 SCNJ pg 29…       67
54        L.P.D.C v. Fawehinmi (1985) 2 NWLR (p7) pg. 300……………     17
56        Labour party v. INEC (2009) 6 NWLR (Pt. 1137) 31 at p. …….     332
57        Madubuike v. Madubuike (2000) FWLR NWLR (pt.30) p. 2611.    82
58        Madukolu v. Nkemdilim (1962) 2 SCNLR 341 ……………….29,42
59        Milad of Benue State v. Ulegede (20010 17 NWLR (pt. 174)  pg 71…                91
60        Mohammed Buhari v. Obasanjo & Ors (2005) 2 NWLR
(pt. 910) 1 at p. 726 paras. C-E…………………………………..         50
61        Mustapha v. governor of Lagos State (1987) 2 NWLR (pt.58)
p. 539…………………………………………………………….          52
62.       NDIC v. CBN & Anor (2009) 9 NSCOR 430 at 443…….                      33
63.       Ngige v. obi (2006) 14 NWLR (pt.999) p.l………………                     39
64.       NPA v. Eyamba (2005) 12 NWLR (pt. 939) p. 409………        112
65.       Nwankwo v. Atta (1995) 9 NWLR (pt. 418). P. 245…….                     45
66.       Nwankwo v. Yar’ Adua (2010) 12 NWLR (pt. 1209) 419
at para H…………………………………………………….      51
67.       Nweke v. Ejims (1999) ll NWLR (pt. 625) 39 at 53……                       60
68.       Nwodo v. Onoh (1984) I.S.C. pg 1………………………..        5,114
69.       Obasanjo v. Yusiff & Anor (2004) 9 NWLR (pt.877), 144
            at pg. 180 para C-F…………………………………………..  33,37,50
70.       Obi v. INEC (2007) II NWLR (pt. 1046) page 635…………..        100
71.       Odedo v. INEC (2008) 17 NWLR (pt. 1117) 554 at 601,
paras. D-G…………………………………………………….        99
72.       Ogbiniya v. Okudu (1979) 6-9 Sc. 32 page 473, paras. E-H…..           105
73.       Ogbommu v. A.G of Imo State (1992) NWLR (pt. 647)……..         67
74.       Ogboru v. Ibori (2003) NWLR (Pt. 942) 319 at  438 – 439
paras A-D……………………………………………………… 31
75        Ojukwu v. Obasanjo (2006) EPR 212 p. 292………………     16,48
76        Ojukwu v. Yar’ Adua (2009) 12 NWLR (pt. 1154) 50 at
173- 174,para D-H…………………………………………….  43 
77.       Okonkwo v. INEC (2006) 2   EPR at 149…………….. …..            47,30
78.       Omoworare v. Omisore (2010) 3 NWLR (pt. 1180) 58 at
109-110 paras B-F…………………………………………….           37
79.       Oni V. Fayemi (2008) 8 NWLR……………………………..           112
80.       Onwe v. Oke  (2001) 3 NWLR (pt.700) 406 referred to (p. 465)
paras  C-E……………………………………………………..           108
81.       Orji v. Ugochukwu (2009) 14 NWLR (pt. 1161)……………..           52
82        Osita v. Musa yar-Adua & 34 ors (2008)……………………..           33
83.       Osunbor v. Oshimhole (2009) All FWLR (pr. 463) pg. 1263, C.A..     73
84.       Ovuechwulise v. Animashuim (1996) 3 NWLR (pt. 439( pg. 632….     67
85.       Ozigbo v. PDP (2010) 9 NWLR (Pt. 1200) 600 at  647 para B-C…..   29
86.       PDP v. Onwe (2011) 3 NWLR (pt. 1236) 166 at 176 paras. C-E…44.118
87.       PDP     v.  INEC (1999) II     NWLR (Pt. 626) P. 200……………...       24
88        Rauf Aregbesola v. Olagunsoye Oyinlola (2008) NWLR……….        101
89        Sadipo v. Lemmin Kaimen No. 1 (1985) 2 NWLR (t.8)p.547…..          21
90        Sarulawa v. kabir (2011) 2 NWLR (pt. 1232) 417 at 440 para D…44,46,91
100     Swem v. ozunge (1996) I SCNLR III AT 119………………………     60
101     Temile v. Awani (2001) NWLR (pt. 728) page 726………………..  116
102     Thute v. INEC (1999) 4 NWLR (pt. 599( p. 360…………………..     59
103     Tukur v. Governor of Gongola State (1989) 4 NWLR
(pt.117) P. 517…………………………………………….......    112
104.    Uba  v. Efiaba (2008) 6 NWLR (Pt. 1082)155 at 182-183
paras A-G…………………………………………………….    27,46
105.    UBA v. Enemuo (2006 All FWLR pt. 311……………………..      91
106.    Ucha v. Onwe (2011) 4 NWLR (pt. 1237) 386 at 424, para F….     99
106.    Uche v. Onwe (2011) 4 NWLR (pt. 1237) 386 at 428 para F-G…    44
107.    Ugochilkwa Agballah v. Chinaroke Nnamani & ors (2006)2
EPR 57 at  786……………………………………………………     40
108.    Ugwu v. Araume (2007) 12 NWLR (t. 1018)p. 365…………..         97
110.    Ukpo v. Aded (2001) FWLR (pt. 77) pg. 85…………………..        92
111.    Yusf  v. Obasanjo (2005) 10 NWLR (pt. 956) 
pg. 421-422 para………………………………………………      69
112.    Zumit v. Mohmoud (1993) 1 NWLR (pt. 267) p. 71……………     91

TABLE STATUTES

1.         The 1999 Constitution (as amended)
            SS. 15-18, 16(2)       ……………………………………..                       3
            S. 285…………………………………………………..              4
            S. 318…………………………………………………..              15
            S. 36(1)(4)………………………………………………                        17
            S.S 239(1) (2), 237(1)…………………………………..                        33
            S. 233(1) (2) (e) (i)  ……………………………………...                      35
            S. 246(3)………………………………………………..             36
            Sixth Schedule item 1(1) (3)……………………………                       38
            Sixth Schedule, items 2(2) (3), S 285(4)……………….                        40
            S 6 (1)…………………………………………………..              41
            S.S 285(1), 239(1) (a)…………………………………..                        42
            S. 246 (1) (b)……………………………………………                        64
            S. 177 (1) (1) – (d) ……………………………………..             89
            S. 3(1), First Schedule, part I…………………………..             93
            S. 182(g) & (h)…………………………………………..                        100
            S. 285(4) & Paragraph 2(1) of the sixth schedule……….                     113
2.         ELECTORAL ACT 2010
            SS. 140(4), 145(1), 140 (3)………………………….     16,103,104
            S. 133 (1)…………………………………………….                  18
            Par. 4(1) of the 1st schedule………………………….                19
            S. 138(1) (a) (b) (d)…………………………………      4389,61
            S. 137(1)……………………………………………….              47
            S. 137(1)……………………………………………….              48
            S. 156…………………………………………………..              48
            SS. 25,26,31,36,34……………………………………..              49
            S. 140…………………………………………………..       55,72
            S. 139…………………………………………………..       59,61
            SS. 18, 45, 49…………………………………………..              64
            Para 53 (2) (5)………………………………………….             65
Para 4(1)(c) 1st schedule………………………………..                        78
SS. 33,35,38…………………………………………….     85,97        
S. 32…………………………………………………….             90
S. 38, 41…………………………………………………                        90
S. 31(5)………………………………………………….                        95
S. 31(4) (5)………………………………………………                       99
SS. 63 & 140 (3)…………………………………………                       103
S. 102…………………………………………………….                       104    
3.         ELECTORAL ACT 2006
            S. 144……………………………………………………..                      80,47 
            S. 147……………………………………………………..                      55,72
            SS. 19,46,50………………………………………………                      64,61
            Para 49(2)(5)……………………………………………..                      65
            SS. 34,36,38……………………………………………….         85,97
            SS. 60: 136(1) & (2)………………………………………         109
            S. 145………………………………………………………        90
TABLE OF ABBREVIATIONS

ACN              -           Action Congress of Nigeria
A.G                 -           Attorney-General
ANPP              -           All Nigeria People party
APGA -           All Progressive Grand Alliance
BLD                -           Black Law Dictionary
CBN                -           Central Bank of Nigeria
COP                -           Commissioner of Police
CTC                -           Certified time Copy
CJN                 -           Chief Justice of Nigeria
EBSU              -           Ebonyi State University
FCT.                -           Federal Capital Territory
FWLR -           federation Weekly Law Report
Ibid                 -           Ibidem
INEC               -           Independent National Electoral Commission
JCA                 -           Justice of Court of Appeal
JSC                 -           Justice of Supreme Court
LGA                -           Local Government Area
LPDC              -           Legal practitioners Disciplinary Committee
NSCC -           Nigerian Supreme Court
NSCUR          -           Nigerian Supreme Court Quarterly Report
NWLR            -           Nigerian Weekly Law Report
P.D.P               -           Peoples Democratic Party
SAB                -           Senior Advocate of Nigeria
SC                   -           Supreme Court
SCNY -           Supreme Court of Nigeria Judgment
SCNLR           -           Supreme Court of Nigeria Law Report
USA                -           United State of America
WWW            -           World Wide Web

A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF THE JUDGMENTS OF THE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNAL IN NIGERIA

A LONG ESSAY SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF LAW,

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF BACHELOR OF LAW (LL.B) DEGREE OF FACULTY OF LAW




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