2027: Court introduces new rules for pre-election cases

The Federal High Court of Nigeria has issued the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026, in a move aimed at ensuring the speedy, efficient, and fair determination of pre-election disputes across the country.

According to a press statement signed by the Director of Information of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, the new Practice Directions were approved by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho.

The statement said the new guidelines are designed to strengthen 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 applicable laws.

It added that the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026, have formally repealed the 2022 Practice Directions, making the new rules the applicable framework for the conduct of pre-election cases before the court.

The court urged members of the Bar, political parties, litigants, and the general public to familiarize themselves with the new Practice Directions, noting that a copy has been made available to guide all stakeholders.