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Federal High Court Issues New Practice Directions for Pre-Election Cases
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Federal High Court Issues New Practice Directions for Pre-Election Cases

From Vanguard · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • The Federal High Court of Nigeria issued new practice directions for the fair and swift determination of pre-election cases.
  • Chief Judge Justice John Tsoho stated the directions aim to minimize interlocutory matters, encourage settlement, and prevent undue adjournments.
  • The new 2026 directions replace the 2022 version and will be open on weekends and holidays for filing pre-election matters.

The Federal High Court of Nigeria has introduced new practice directions aimed at ensuring fairness, impartiality, and speed in handling pre-election cases nationwide. Chief Judge Justice John Tsoho issued the "Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026" on Tuesday, exercising powers granted by the constitution and the Electoral Act.

These new directions are designed to streamline the legal process for election-related disputes. According to the court's Director of Information, Dr. Catherine-Oby Christopher, the guidelines seek to focus parties on genuinely disputed issues, reduce time spent on preliminary matters, and encourage amicable settlements before full hearings. They also aim to minimize delays caused by unnecessary adjournments.

The Federal High Court of Nigeria hereby notifies members of the Bar, political parties, litigants and the general public that the Honourable the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, OFR, has issued the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026.

— Dr Catherine-Oby ChristopherThe Director of Information for the Federal High Court announcing the issuance of the new practice directions.

The 2026 practice directions supersede the 2022 version. The court emphasized that its Civil Procedure Rules of 2019 will apply to any issues not covered by these new directions. Special attention will be paid to specific sections of the Electoral Act and the constitution concerning election disputes. Parties challenging primary election outcomes must include all relevant parties as respondents to ensure comprehensive dispute resolution.

Recognizing the time-sensitive nature of pre-election cases, the court's registry in all judicial divisions will operate on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. exclusively for filing these matters. All pre-election cases must be initiated via an Originating Summons, with specific forms provided. The directions also outline procedures for allegations of fraud or forgery, requiring parties to present particulars of such claims for examination.

It is instructive that the current practice directions have repealed the 2022 version.

— Justice John TsohoThe Chief Judge of the Federal High Court noting the update from previous guidelines.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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