The Federal High Court has introduced the 2026 Pre-Election Practice Directions, a set of guidelines designed to ensure that pre-election disputes are handled fairly, neutrally, and quickly across Nigeria. Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge, enacted these rules this Tuesday using authority granted by the 1999 Constitution and the 2026 Electoral Act.
As announced by Dr. Catherine-Oby Christopher, the court’s Director of Information, these rules supersede the 2022 version. The initiative aims to streamline legal proceedings by focusing on genuine issues, promoting pre-trial settlements, and limiting unnecessary adjournments.
Key procedural updates include mandatory filing through Originating Summons and a requirement for plaintiffs to include all relevant parties in their suits. To accommodate the time-sensitive nature of these cases, court registries will remain open on weekends and public holidays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for submissions. In instances of fraud or complex disputes, the court may hear witness testimony or receive evidence directly.
The guidelines also embrace modern technology, authorizing virtual hearings and electronic communication to notify legal counsel of updates. Judges are instructed to set hearings within seven days of the final exchange of filings and are restricted to granting no more than two adjournments per party to prevent stalling tactics. The court will continue to prioritize these cases until final judgments are reached.
