JURISDICTION AND TRIAL OF DISORDERLY CONDUCT AT ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Jurisdiction is the authority by which a court of law has to decide matters that are litigated before it. The limits of this authority are imposed by the statute, charter or commissions under which the court is constituted and may be extended or restricted by similar means. Courts are set up under the Constitution, Decrees, Acts, Laws and Edicts. They cloak the courts with the powers and jurisdiction of adjudication. Any Judgment delivered by a court in a matter which it has no jurisdiction to decide is of no consequence and is a nullity. Before a court assumes jurisdiction over any matter, it must satisfy itself of the statute establishing the court; the subject matter of the case; the parties before the court; the procedure by which the case is initiated; the territory where the cause of the action arose or where the defendant resides; and composition of the court. Trial is a formal examination of evidence in court by judge and often a jury, to decide if somebody accused of a crime is guilty or not. Disorderly conduct at elections refers to any actions or behaviour that disrupts the peaceful and orderly conduct of elections, thereby affecting the integrity, fairness, or smooth running of the electoral process. It encompasses a range of activities, including violence, intimidation, unauthorized demonstrations, destruction of election materials, and any other acts that hinder voters from exercising their rights or disrupt the operations of election officials. . In this article, the writer looks at the jurisdiction of various courts and outlining the trial procedures as it relates to disorderly conduct at elections. This work shall definitely provoke further discussions on the topic. It will go a long way in maintaining the integrity of our electoral process and will equally help in strengthening our democratic institution.