The National Judicial Council (NJC) has released a list of 257 judges who will be hearing petitions resulting from the 2023 general elections in Nigeria. The proceedings at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and State Election Petition Tribunals are expected to commence fully in May, after the Worker’s Day holiday.
Nigerians are eagerly awaiting the tribunals’ decisions as aggrieved candidates from the February 25 and March 18 contests attempt to overturn victories. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already issued Certificates of Return to all winners of various positions.
Several hundred petitions have been filed to challenge the outcome of the presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and state assembly polls. However, more petitions are expected due to the April 15 supplementary elections in over 20 states, in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.
According to Section 132 (7) & (8) of the Electoral Act in Nigeria, petitions can be filed within 21 days after the declaration of results. The respondents have 21 days to respond, while the court has 180 days to decide.
This is the list of judges from various states:
- Abia State: C.O. Onyeabo, Ory Zik-Ikeorha, C.H. Ahuchaogu, A.O. Chijioke, K.C.J. Okereke, L.T.C. Eruba, Benson Anya, Nweke Philomena, A.O. Phoeba, and C.K. Nwankwo.
- Adamawa State: H.N.H. Joda, B.I. Ladukiya, Musa Usman, K.L. Samuel, A.J. Balami, and K.Z.U. Modibbo.
- Akwa Ibom State: P.P. Idiong, A.D. Odokwo, O.A. Okon, F.J. Ibanga, and N.M. Obot.
- Benue State: W.I. Kpochi, T.A. Kume, T.T. Asua, P.T. Kwahar, M.T. Ugar, A.I. Ityonyman, M.M. Odinya, and I. Muhammed.
- Borno State: H.Y. Mshelia, A.Z. Musa, U.S. Sakwa, M.G. Abubakar, and Binta Othman.
- Cross River State: F.N. Isoni, E.O. Abua, O.I. Ofem, A.A. Ewah, U.A. Ibrahim, E.I. Ebri, I.B. Etape, and E.A. Ubua.
- Delta State: A.O. Apkovi, F.N. Azinge, C.N. Ogadi, E.N. Ejiro, T.O. Uloho, M.O. Omovie, C.O. Emifoniye, and C.I. Dafe.
- Ebonyi State: H.A. Njoku, B.A.N. Ogbu, N.E. Nwibo, C.E. Eze, I.P. Chima, O. Elekwa, T.A. Achom, and U. Onwosi.
- Edo State: V.O. Eboreime, J.O. Okeaya, Irele-Ifijeh, V.O.A. Oviawe, I.P. Braimoh, and T.I. Eghe-Abe.
- Ekiti State: A.L. Ogunmoye, A.A. Adeleye, L.O. Ogundana, E.B. Omotoso, A.O. Familoni, J.A. Apuabi, and O.O. Oluboyede.
- Enugu State: R.O. Odugu, E.N. Oluedo, N.R. Oji, C.A.B. Onaga, U.J. Nweze, and E.N. Alukwu.
- Kaduna State: E.Y.B. Lolo, K. Dabo, M.T. Rashid, M.N. Sidi, A.Y. John, and E. Michael.
- Kano State: M. Yusuf Ubale, A.A. Amina, I.M.M Karaye, N. Saminu, J.S. Suleiman, S.A. Maryam, S.M. Ado, and A.A. Maiwada.
- Katsina State: A.B. Abdullahi, A.K. Tukur, I.W. Baraka, B.U. Safiya, I.I. Mashi, L. Umar, A. Yarima, and M.D. Hadiza.
- Jigawa State: A.M. Abubakar, A.Y.
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