To manage the rising volume of pre-election litigation, the Federal High Court has introduced updated Practice Directions that allow legal filings during weekends and public holidays. Chief Judge Justice John Tsoho announced that court registries across all judicial divisions will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays exclusively for these specific cases.
This policy change follows concerns raised by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, regarding the persistent delays in judicial proceedings. During a workshop at the National Judicial Institute, she emphasized that the judiciary’s success is judged by its speed and efficiency in processing disputes, not just the quality of its rulings.
Justice Tsoho noted that the Federal High Court previously struggled with overwhelming caseloads, with some judges handling over 1,000 pending files. The new rules, which took effect on June 29, aim to streamline the resolution of pre-election matters in accordance with the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act of 2026. The directive provides clear timelines for filing processes, limits the number of adjournments, and promotes the use of virtual hearings to avoid unnecessary delays.
Under these regulations, originating summons must be accompanied by supporting affidavits and written addresses. The court has also implemented strict constraints on interlocutory applications, requiring that rulings on most preliminary objections be deferred until the final judgment to prevent tactical stalls. While these guidelines do not apply retroactively to already pending cases, they are designed to ensure that the court remains equipped to handle the legal complexities of the upcoming 2027 general elections.
