Section 24 Nigerian Electoral Act

Section 24 Electoral Act 2022 is about Conduct and postponement of election in emergency. It is under Part IV (Procedure at Election) of the Act.

(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.