The Federal High Court has introduced new rules to make sure pre-election disputes are settled faster and more fairly ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Chief Judge Justice John Terhemba Tsoho approved the changes in the Amended Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026. The court announced the update on Wednesday through its Director of Information, Dr Catherine Oby Christopher. The new directions replace the earlier version that started on June 26, 2026.
The court said the changes are meant to cut delays and help judges meet the strict timelines set by the Constitution and the Electoral Act. The rules rely on Sections 254 and 285(9), (10) and (14) of the 1999 Constitution, plus Sections 29(5) and 88(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
One major change affects anyone who wants to challenge party primary results. Such persons must now include all necessary parties in their lawsuit. The court says this will help it hear every side and settle disputes properly.
Because election cases are urgent, court registries across the country will now open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. But they will only accept pre-election filings during those hours.
All pre-election cases must start with an originating summons. If a case involves claims of fraud, forgery or other disputed facts, parties must also submit written statements from witnesses along with affidavits. Those witnesses can be questioned in court.
The new rules also set clear deadlines. Once served with court papers, defendants have seven days to enter appearance and 10 days to file their counter-affidavits and written addresses. Plaintiffs can reply within three days if needed. To keep arguments short and focused, the court has placed page limits on written addresses and replies.
Lawyers can no longer serve court papers on the day of hearing. For urgent matters, they should use email or other electronic means, but must give at least 48 hours’ notice before the hearing date.
The Chief Judge can now assign judges to any division or move cases between divisions when needed. Judges handling pre-election matters can also hold hearings online using technology.
Once both sides finish exchanging documents, courts must fix a hearing date within seven days. Pre-election cases will take priority until judgment is given. Parties can only ask for adjournments twice in total, and no adjournment request will be granted on the actual hearing day. If a lawyer falls ill or cannot attend, another lawyer who knows the case must step in or request a virtual hearing if everyone agrees.
Preliminary objections and other issues about jurisdiction will now be decided at the final judgment stage, except those about how court papers were served. This follows Section 285(8) of the Constitution.
Cases already filed before these changes took effect will continue under the old rules. The court also clarified what counts as a pre-election matter using Section 285(14) of the Constitution.
According to the court, these reforms are designed to remove unnecessary delays and ensure justice is delivered quickly in election-related cases before 2027.