Understanding Nigerian Elections
Nigeria holds different types of elections managed by INEC. Here's a breakdown of each election type and what it means for you as a voter.
Presidential Election
Held every 4 years to elect the President and Vice President of Nigeria. Every registered voter across all 36 states and FCT can vote.
Gubernatorial Election
Held every 4 years to elect a State Governor and Deputy Governor. Only registered voters in that state may vote.
Senatorial Election
Elects three Senators per state (one per Senatorial District) into the National Assembly. Held alongside Presidential elections.
House of Representatives
Elects members into the lower chamber of the National Assembly, representing Federal Constituencies. Nigeria has 360 House seats.
State House of Assembly
Elects members to represent constituencies in each state's legislature. They pass state laws, approve budgets, and oversee the Governor.
Local Government Elections
Elects Local Government Chairmen and Councillors. These officials are closest to the grassroots and handle community development.
Key Bodies & Facts
INEC
Conducts presidential, National Assembly, governorship, state assembly, FCT Area Council, bye and re-run elections.
SIEC
State Independent Electoral Commissions conduct local government chairmanship and councillorship elections in each state.
Accreditation
Voters present a PVC, are accredited with BVAS, then mark the ballot paper in secret and place it in the ballot box.
Presidential Spread
A winner needs the highest lawful votes plus the constitutional spread requirement across the states and the FCT.
Petitions
Election petitions are filed at the appropriate tribunal or court within the legally required post-result window.
Bye-Elections
INEC conducts bye-elections when eligible legislative seats become vacant before the end of a term.