What Happens After Election Results Are Declared?

The declaration of results is not necessarily the end of the electoral process. Understanding what happens next helps you follow Nigeria's democratic journey to its conclusion.

Acceptance or Rejection by Candidates

After results are declared:

• The winning candidate typically holds a press conference to thank supporters and pledge to serve all citizens.
• Losing candidates may concede (accept the result) or reject the outcome.
• Rejection alone does not change the result — there is a legal process for challenging elections.

Election Petitions

If a candidate or party believes the election was not free, fair, or conducted according to the law, they can file a petition at an Election Petition Tribunal.

Who Can File?

• Candidates who participated in the election.
• Political parties that fielded candidates.
• In some cases, voters in specific circumstances.

Time Limit

Petitions must be filed within 21 days of the declaration of results. This is a strict deadline.

Grounds for a Petition

1. The winning candidate was not qualified to contest (e.g., forged certificates, age, citizenship issues).
2. The election was not conducted according to INEC guidelines or the Electoral Act.
3. The declared result was affected by irregularities such as over-voting, ballot stuffing, or violence.
4. The winning candidate did not score the constitutionally required votes (e.g., the 25% spread requirement for Presidential/Governorship elections).

The Tribunal Process

• Election tribunals are special courts constituted specifically for election cases.
• For presidential elections, the tribunal is the Court of Appeal (Presidential Election Petition Court), with a final appeal to the Supreme Court.
• For governorship and legislative elections, tribunals are set up in each state, with appeals going to the Court of Appeal.
• Tribunals must deliver judgment within 180 days of filing.

Possible Outcomes

The tribunal can:

1. Uphold the election — Confirm the declared winner.
2. Nullify the election — Cancel the result and order a fresh election.
3. Declare another winner — In rare cases, declare that a different candidate actually won.
4. Order a recount — Direct that votes be recounted at specific polling units.

The Swearing-In

Once results are upheld (either after the petition period expires or after tribunal/court decisions):

• The President is sworn in on May 29th (for presidential elections).
• Governors are sworn in on May 29th.
• National Assembly members are inaugurated when the new Assembly convenes.
• State Assembly members are similarly inaugurated.

Your Role After Elections

Democracy does not end on election day. Between elections, citizens should:

• Hold elected officials accountable — Monitor their performance and demand transparency.
• Engage in civic participation — Attend town halls, follow legislative proceedings, and participate in community governance.
• Stay informed — Use platforms like this app to follow election results, report incidents, and educate yourself and others.