Federal High Court Amends Pre-Election Practice Directions

On 13 July 2026, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, KSS, OFR, FCIArb (UK), Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, issued the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions (Amendment), 2026, which became effective on 14 July 2026. This amendment modifies the existing Pre-Election Practice Directions to address the urgent need for procedural clarity as Nigeria approaches the general elections scheduled for 16 January 2027.

The amendments are rooted in Sections 254, 285(9), (10), and (14) of the Constitution of Nigeria and Sections 29(5) and 88(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026. Notably, the amendment allows court registries to remain open on weekends and public holidays for filing pre-election matters, ensuring access to justice within the 14-day filing window mandated by Section 285(9).

Additionally, it retains the use of originating summons for pre-election suits while introducing requirements for written depositions in cases involving allegations of fraud or forgery, allowing for cross-examination of those depositions.