Section 24 Electoral Act 2026

Section 24 of the Nigerian Electoral Act 2026 is about Conduct and postponement of election in emergency. It provides as follows:

(1) In the event of an emergency affecting an election, the Commission shall, as far as practicable, ensure that persons displaced as a result of the emergency are
not disenfranchised.

(2) Where a date has been appointed for the holding of an election, and there is
reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date or it is impossible to conduct the elections
as a result of natural disasters or other emergencies, the Commission may
postpone the election and shall in respect of the area, or areas concerned, appoint another date for the holding of the postponed election, provided that such reason for the postponement is cogent and verifiable.

(3) Where an election has commenced and there is reason to believe that there is or has been substantial disruption of election in a polling unit or constituency or it is impossible to continue with the election occasioned by threat to peace and security of electoral officials and materials, the Commission shall suspend the election and appoint another date for the continuation of the election or the
process.

(4) Where the Commission appoints a substituted date in accordance with subsections (2) and (3), there shall be no return for the election until polling has
taken place in the area or areas affected.

(5) Notwithstanding subsection (3), the Commission may, if satisfied that the result of the election will not be affected by voting in the area or areas in respect of which substituted dates have been appointed, direct that a return of the election be made.

(6) The decision of the Commission under subsection (4) may be challenged by any of the contestants at a court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction and on such challenge, the decision shall be suspended until the matter is determined.

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