Electoral law lies at the intersection of constitutional governance, political participation, and judicial oversight. At Smith & Partners LP, we provide formidable legal support in navigating Nigeria’s complex electoral landscape. Our firm advises political parties, candidates, election observers, NGOs, and public institutions on a wide range of electoral matters, including pre-election disputes, post-election litigation, internal party democracy, and compliance with electoral guidelines.

Our election law team is composed of seasoned litigators and constitutional law experts who have appeared before election tribunals, appellate courts, and the Supreme Court. We combine legal precision with political sensitivity, ensuring that each client’s interests are protected with tact and tenacity.

One of our Partners was a member of the legal team for the APC Governorship and National & State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Team – Lagos (2023) while also representing Labour Party, Peoples Democratic Party, Accord and their candidates in other States in several pre-election and election petitions across different states. Our Partner was involved from the strategy development and advisory before and after the elections, drafting of processes, witness preparation, evidence evaluation, and final address drafting and adoption while complying with the time requirements of election matters

One of our Partners represented a card-carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party (“PDP”) and the party’s candidate for Oguta/Ohaji Egbema/Oru West Federal Constituency, in a pre-election matter commenced by All Progressives Congress at the Federal High Court, Owerri.

One of our Partners represented a card-carrying member of the Labour Party and the candidate for Lagos West Senatorial District at the Court of Appeal, against the Labour Party in a pre-election matter bothering on the party’s substitution of candidates.

One of our Partners was part of the team that defended the declared party in the election contested by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal Holden at Ikeja, Lagos State in 2023.

One of our Partners was part of the team that defended the declared party in the election contested by Azeez Olajide Adediran AKA Jandor at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Ikeja, Lagos State in 2023.

One of our Partners was part of the team that represented the Labour Party and its returned candidate in the Abia State Gubernatorial election at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Umahia, Abia State in 2023. The Petitions include those filed by the APC and PDP.

One of our Partners was one of the Counsel that represented Accord and its candidate in contesting the Rivers State Gubernatorial election result at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal Holden at Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

One of our Partners represented the returned candidate of the House of Assembly election for the Oshodi/Isolo Constituency I of the Lagos State Assembly at the National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, Ikeja, Lagos State.

One of our Partners represented the returned candidate of the House of Assembly election for the Mainland Constituency II of the Lagos State Assembly at the National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, Ikeja, Lagos State.

One of our Partners represented the APC, the returned party of the House of Representatives election for Surulere Federal Constituency II Lagos at the National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, TBS, Lagos State in 2023.

One of our Partners represented the returned candidate of the House of Representatives election for Shomolu Federal Constituency, Lagos at the National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, TBS, Lagos State in 2023. This petition was filed by the People Democratic Party and its Candidate.

One of our Partners was part of the team that represented the returned candidate of the House of Representatives election for Shomolu Federal Constituency, Lagos at the National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, TBS, Lagos State in 2023. This petition was filed by the Labour Party and its Candidate and was struck out by the Tribunal upon our Partner’s application for the striking out/dismissal of the petition on the ground of abandonment due to the Petitioners’ failure to timeously apply for the issuance of pre-hearing notice.

One of our Partners represented the returned candidate of the House of Representatives election for Surulere Federal Constituency I Lagos at the National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, TBS, Lagos State (before the appointment of the returned candidate as the Chief of Staff to the President and the withdrawal of the Petition).

One of our Partners represented the returned candidate of the House of Representatives election for Agege Federal Constituency, Lagos at the National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, TBS, Lagos State in 2023.

One of our Partners represented one of the Petitioners (Candidate and Party) contesting the House of Representatives election for Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, Lagos at the National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, Ikeja, Lagos State.

One of our Partners represented the Candidate and Party contesting the House of Representatives election for Eti-Osa Federal Constituency, Lagos at the National and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, TBS, Lagos State in 2023.

One of our partners was on the legal team that successfully defended the mandate of a sitting governor before the election tribunal and the Court of Appeal. The matter involved allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act, overvoting, and wrongful exclusion of results. The team’s detailed forensic audit and cross-examination strategy were instrumental to the favorable outcome.

We are currently advising a senatorial candidate challenging the outcome of the most recent general elections on grounds of electoral malpractice and irregularities in collation. Our representation includes analysis of BVAS data, voter register anomalies, and procurement of expert witness testimony.

Our firm also provides advisory services to political parties on internal primaries, candidate nomination procedures, and INEC compliance. We recently helped a major political party resolve a pre-election crisis arising from parallel primaries, ensuring timely submission of valid nominations and avoidance of disqualification.

Smith & Partners LP has also worked with civil society organizations and observer groups to interpret evolving electoral jurisprudence and compliance obligations under the 2022 Electoral Act. We have published position papers and conducted legal audits on INEC’s operational guidelines, enhancing transparency and legal accountability.

Electoral matters are highly time-bound, sensitive, and technically demanding. Our approach is proactive, confidential, and always aligned with the constitutional and democratic interests of our clients. Whether you are contesting an election, defending a mandate, or seeking legal clarity on electoral procedures, Smith & Partners LP offers world-class representation grounded in integrity, strategy, and advocacy.