RismadarVoice Reporters, June 30, 2026
The Federal High Court of Nigeria has introduced new Practice Directions to regulate the handling of pre-election matters, with measures aimed at ensuring faster, fairer and more efficient adjudication of election-related disputes.
The directives, issued by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, have taken immediate effect and apply across all judicial divisions of the court nationwide.
According to the new guidelines, the Practice Directions are designed to guarantee the fair, impartial and timely determination of pre-election cases while reducing delays associated with interlocutory applications. They also encourage parties to explore amicable settlement of disputes before formal court proceedings begin.
The court stated that the provisions of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, will continue to apply in matters not specifically covered by the new Practice Directions.
Recognising the time-sensitive nature of pre-election disputes, the court directed that its registries nationwide will operate on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays solely for the filing of pre-election cases.
To further accelerate the hearing process, the court may also use electronic mail and other digital communication platforms to notify legal practitioners of urgent proceedings and other case-related developments.
The Practice Directions further require both the court and litigants to avoid unnecessary delays during proceedings. Consequently, no party will be granted more than two adjournments in any pre-election matter before the court.
