By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
The Federal High Court has released fresh Pre-Election Practice Directions, 2026, aimed at ensuring fair, impartial, and expeditious determination of all pre-election disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, issued the directions on Tuesday in exercise of powers conferred by the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, and other relevant laws.
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This was disclosed in a statement by the court’s Director of Information, Dr. Catherine-Oby Christopher.
Key Objectives
According to the statement, the new practice directions seek to:
Ensure parties focus only on matters genuinely in dispute.
Minimise time spent on interlocutory applications.
Encourage amicable settlements where possible.
Reduce undue adjournments and delays in the hearing of cases.
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The current practice directions repeal the 2022 version previously in use.
The directions emphasise strict compliance with relevant sections of the Electoral Act 2026 and the Constitution. Key highlights include:
All pre-election matters must be commenced by Originating Summons.
Parties challenging primary elections must join all relevant parties as respondents.
Registry offices across all judicial divisions will open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (10am–2pm) exclusively for filing pre-election cases.
Where fraud or highly contentious facts are alleged, parties may call witnesses and tender documents in evidence (viva voce).
Electronic service of processes and virtual hearings are permitted to speed up proceedings.
Matters must be heard and determined expeditiously, with a maximum of two adjournments per party.
Where a party is absent after due notice, their address may be deemed adopted.
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The Chief Judge stressed that the guidelines align with constitutional timelines for pre-election matters and are designed to promote timely justice.
The Federal High Court urged members of the Bar, political parties, litigants, and the general public to take note of the new practice directions as the 2027 election cycle gathers momentum.
This development is expected to streamline the adjudication of the numerous pre-election disputes anticipated in the coming months.
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