The Federal High Court has introduced new Pre-Election Practice Directions for 2026, directing all its court registries across the country to remain open on weekends and public holidays for the filing of pre-election matters.
The new guidelines, issued by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, are aimed at ensuring the speedy, fair and impartial determination of pre-election disputes ahead of future elections.
According to a statement by the court’s Director of Information, Dr Catherine-Oby Christopher, the practice directions replace the 2022 version and are backed by relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026 and other applicable laws.
Justice Tsoho said the new rules are designed to ensure that parties focus only on issues genuinely in dispute, reduce delays caused by interlocutory applications, encourage amicable settlement where possible, and speed up the resolution of cases.
“The Federal High Court hereby notifies members of the Bar, political parties, litigants and the general public that the Honourable Chief Judge has issued the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026. The current Practice Directions has repealed the 2022 version,” the statement read.
Under the new framework, court registries in all judicial divisions will open every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. exclusively for filing pre-election cases because of their time-sensitive nature.
The court also directed that all pre-election suits should begin through an Originating Summons.
However, where allegations involve fraud, forgery or other highly disputed facts, parties will be required to present witnesses or documentary evidence in open court.
“The parties and the court shall be entitled to summon any person to produce documents or be examined or cross-examined during the hearing,” the practice directions stated.
To improve efficiency, the court said electronic mail and other digital communication channels may be used to notify lawyers of urgent court proceedings, while judges are also permitted to conduct virtual hearings where necessary.
The practice directions further provide that once parties have completed the exchange of court processes, the matter must be scheduled for hearing within seven days, with judges expected to give priority to all pre-election cases until judgment is delivered.
The court also limited adjournments, stating that no party should receive more than two adjournments in any matter covered by the new practice directions.
In addition, where a party fails to appear despite being duly notified, the court may deem that party’s written address as adopted and proceed with the case in order to avoid unnecessary delays.
