The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho, has amended the court’s 2026 Pre-Election Practice Directions to strengthen the speedy and efficient handling of election-related cases ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The amendment, which took effect on June 26, 2026, revises the initial Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026.
The court’s Director of Information, Mrs Catherine-Oby Christopher, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the amended Practice Directions were issued pursuant to Sections 254 and 285(9), (10) and (14) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), as well as Sections 29(5) and 88(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and other enabling provisions.
The statement said the amendment is aimed at ensuring the speedy, efficient and fair determination of pre-election matters in line with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, 2026, and other applicable laws.
As part of the changes, judges have been empowered to conduct virtual hearings in pre-election cases where necessary.
The revised Practice Directions also authorise the transfer of pre-election cases between judicial divisions to facilitate timely adjudication and improve case management.
In addition, court registries will remain open on weekends and public holidays to receive and process filings relating to pre-election matters, ensuring compliance with the strict constitutional timelines for resolving election disputes. (NAN)
