The Federal High Court of Nigeria issues new Practice Directions to speed up and standardise “pre-election” litigation ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to the court, Chief Judge Justice John Tsoho announced the (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026, through a statement by the court’s Director of Information, Dr. Catherine-Oby Christopher. The directions order court registries across judicial divisions to open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays to receive filings for pre-election matters. Registries are set to operate from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with the purpose of handling time-sensitive cases more efficiently.
The practice directions also outline procedural expectations for how disputes should be commenced and managed. Pre-election matters generally start by Originating Summons. Where parties challenge primary elections, the directions require joining all relevant parties as respondents. In cases involving allegations of fraud, forgery, or other highly contentious facts, parties may call witnesses and tender documents. The court encourages electronic service and virtual hearings to reduce delays, limits adjournments, and states it will prioritise these matters until judgment is delivered. The 2022 version is repealed, and the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, apply where not specifically covered.
