The Federal High Court of Nigeria has introduced new practice directions for 2026 on the handling of pre-election cases, allowing court registries across the country to operate on weekends and public holidays in a move aimed at speeding up election-related disputes.
The directive was issued by the Chief Judge, John Tsoho, and takes immediate effect across all judicial divisions of the court, including the Federal High Court Abuja.
It replaces the 2022 version of the practice directions.
According to the court, the new framework is designed to ensure that pre-election matters are handled quickly and fairly, while reducing delays caused by interlocutory applications and repeated adjournments.
It also encourages early settlement discussions between parties before full hearings begin.
Under the new arrangement, court registries will open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. solely for filing pre-election matters.
The court also directed that such cases should be commenced by originating summons, except where allegations such as fraud or forgery require oral evidence and cross-examination of witnesses.
The guidelines further provide that electronic communication may be used to notify lawyers of urgent court activities, while judges are permitted to conduct proceedings virtually where necessary.
After the close of filing and exchange of processes, hearings are expected to be fixed within seven days, and such matters will be treated with priority until judgment is delivered.
The practice directions also require that all relevant parties be joined in disputes challenging party primaries, while limiting adjournments to a maximum of two per party.
Where a party is absent during hearing, the court may proceed if satisfied that proper notice was given.
The Federal High Court said the reforms are in line with constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act, aimed at strengthening election dispute resolution ahead of future polls.
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