Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Federal High Court of Nigeria has introduced the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026, aimed at ensuring the speedy, efficient and fair resolution of pre-election disputes across the country.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the court’s Director of Information, Catherine Oby Christopher.
According to the statement, the new Practice Directions were approved by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Terhemba Tsoho
The court said the new guidelines are designed to improve the handling of pre-election matters in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2026, and other relevant laws.
It further stated that the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026 have officially repealed the 2022 Practice Directions, making the new rules the governing framework for all pre-election cases before the court.
The court urged lawyers, political parties, litigants and the general public to familiarise themselves with the new Practice Directions, adding that copies have been made available to guide all stakeholders.
