In response to widespread concerns and dissatisfaction surrounding the local government elections held in Jigawa State on October 5, 2024, the state judiciary has established special tribunals to address election-related disputes.
These tribunals were set up to ensure that grievances from candidates and voters who believe the election process was flawed or unfair are thoroughly investigated.
The Jigawa State Judiciary, through its Director of Protocol and Publicity, Abbas Rufa’i Wangara, announced the establishment of the election petitions and appeal tribunals in a statement. He explained that the tribunals will provide an opportunity for those who feel that they were “cheated or robbed of their victory” to seek justice. The tribunals are designed to address any negative occurrences that may have arisen during the election process.
According to Wangara, the tribunals are strategically located to ensure that all petitioners, regardless of their location, have easy access to the courts. In his statement, he outlined that the tribunals will sit in three key senatorial districts.
“In Jigawa Central Senatorial District, the court is sitting at Chief Magistrate Court II Dutse. In Jigawa North East Senatorial District, the court is sitting at Chief Magistrate Court Hadejia. In Jigawa North-West Senatorial District, the tribunal will meet at Chief Magistrate Court Kazaure.” This decentralization is aimed at providing convenience for those filing petitions.
In addition to these locations, an appeal tribunal will be situated at the Jigawa State Judiciary Complex in Dutse for those who seek further legal recourse following initial rulings.
