Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, has released an updated version of the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions for 2026. This amendment updates the original regulations that were implemented on June 26, 2026.
As stated by the court’s Director of Information, Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, this modification is based on authorities granted by sections 254 and 285 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as sections 29 and 88 of the Electoral Act, 2026. These legal adjustments are designed to ensure that pre-election disputes are settled with greater efficiency, fairness, and speed.
The judiciary intends for these changes to strengthen the application of the Electoral Act and other relevant statutes. Legal practitioners are encouraged to study the new guidelines thoroughly to facilitate the prompt resolution of political litigation stemming from the 2027 general elections.
