The legislature has two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate has 109 seats; the House has 360.
Three senators represent each state, with one for the FCT. House constituencies link representation more closely to population.
The Assembly makes federal law within constitutional competence (section 4). Bills generally require passage by both chambers and presidential assent; a two-thirds vote in each chamber can override withheld assent (section 58). Investigation powers have specified public purposes (sections 88–89).
The president leads the federal executive. The State House lists Bola Ahmed Tinubu as president and Kashim Shettima as vice president, as of October 2026.
The Constitution defines the powers of the presidency and the responsibilities of its officeholders.
Constitutional limits: executive power is subject to the Constitution and laws made by the National Assembly (section 5). Ministers require Senate confirmation (section 147); removal procedures are set out in section 143.
Courts interpret and apply law. The Supreme Court sits at the apex of the judicial hierarchy; judicial review asks whether state action is consistent with the constitution.
The effectiveness of legal constraints depends on institutional independence, access and compliance as well as the formal text.
Section 6 vests judicial power in the courts. Constitutional procedures govern judicial appointments and discipline, with roles for bodies such as the National Judicial Council.
Federal, state and local governments serve different territories and have different responsibilities.
36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. FCT highlighted.
Federal
National responsibilities include defence and currency. Some subjects are shared with states.
States
Governors, state assemblies and state courts exercise powers under the Constitution. Abuja’s FCT has separate arrangements.
Local
Local councils handle specified community functions, including markets and local roads, within constitutional and state-law arrangements.
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The constitution establishes a federation of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. State governors and assemblies govern at the subnational level.
Exclusive and concurrent powers define different areas of authority. Federalism distributes power territorially; separation of powers distributes it among institutions.
The constitutional legislative lists define state and federal authority. The FCT operates under a separate constitutional arrangement.
Citizens elect the president, national legislators, governors and state legislators. INEC administers federal and state elections.
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INEC organizes elections and voter registration. Eligible citizens must meet age and registration requirements to vote.
Elections connect citizens to officeholders; parties, media and civil society also shape participation between elections.
Citizens express preferences; INEC administers elections. These are distinct roles. Administrative rules, legal challenge and access to registration affect how formal voting rights are exercised.