Understanding🇳🇬Nigeria·Government & Civic Life·7 min read
Understanding How Elections Work in Nigeria
Who runs elections, how votes are counted, and where results are legally challenged.
Verified as of 20 July 2026
TL;DR
INEC administers federal and state elections. Presidential winners must secure a plurality of votes AND at least 25% in two-thirds of Nigeria's 36 states plus the FCT. Election petitions go to specialised tribunals.
Verification · 0 sourced claims · Last verified 20 July 2026
Who runs the election\nThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is a constitutional body responsible for federal and state elections.\n\n## How a president is elected\nTwo conditions must both be met: highest number of votes cast nationally, AND at least 25% of the vote in two-thirds of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.\n\n## Challenging results\nElection results are challenged at Election Petition Tribunals, with appeals to the Court of Appeal and (for presidential elections) the Supreme Court.
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