The Federal High Court of Nigeria has notified members of the Bar, political parties, litigants and the general public of the issuance of pre-election practice directions, 2026.
A statement signed by Dr Catherine Oby Christopher, the Director of Information, said, “The Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, issued the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026.”
The Practice Directions shall come into effect on June 29, 2026, and are intended to enhance the speedy, efficient, and fair determination of pre-election matters in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended); the Electoral Act, 2026; and other applicable laws.
It is instructive that the current practice directions have repealed the 2022 version.
The purpose of these practice directions is to (a) provide for fair, impartial and expeditious determination of pre-election cases. (b) Ensure that in all election matters, parties focus on matters which are genuinely in issue.
(C) Minimise the time spent in dealing with interlocutory matters.
(d) Ensure that the possibility of amicable settlement is explored before the parties go into a hearing.
(e) Minimise undue adjournments and delays in the conduct of matters.
The Practice Directions also provide that the Registry of the Federal High Court shall remain open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays to attend to litigants with pre-election cases.
Leave a Reply