The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho, has approved amendments to the court’s 2026 Pre-Election Practice Directions as part of efforts to ensure the timely and efficient resolution of electoral disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The amendment, announced in a statement issued in Abuja by the court’s Director of Information, Dr. Catherine-Oby Christopher, updates the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026, which originally came into force on June 26, 2026.
According to the Chief Judge, the revised practice directions were made pursuant to Sections 254 and 285(9), (10) and (14) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Sections 29(5) and 88(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and other enabling legal provisions.
Justice Tsoho explained that the amendments are designed to promote the speedy, fair and efficient determination of pre-election cases in line with constitutional and electoral laws governing the conduct of elections.
He noted that the revised guidelines seek to strengthen the administration of electoral justice by ensuring that disputes arising before elections are resolved without unnecessary delays.
Among the major innovations introduced are provisions empowering judges to conduct virtual hearings in appropriate cases, transfer pre-election matters between judicial divisions where necessary, and keep court registries open on weekends and public holidays to facilitate the filing of election-related cases.
The new measures are expected to improve access to justice, enhance judicial efficiency and ensure that pre-election disputes are concluded within the timelines prescribed by law before the 2027 general elections.
