Federal High Court Issues New Guidelines for Electoral Disputes

The Federal High Court of Nigeria, under the leadership of Chief Judge Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, has released new pre-election practice directions designed to accelerate the resolution of electoral disputes in anticipation of the upcoming elections. These new guidelines, announced on June 29, 2026, repeal the previous version from 2022.

According to a statement from the court's director, Dr. Catherin Obi Christoph, the new practice directions are intended to ensure speedy, efficient, and fair determinations of pre-election matters. The guidelines align with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and relevant laws.

They apply to members of the Nigerian Bar, political parties, and the general public involved in pre-election litigation, which typically includes disputes regarding party primaries, candidate nominations, substitutions, eligibility challenges, and filings for general elections.