The Federal High Court has issued new Practice Directions for pre-election cases, repealing its 2022 guidelines and introducing sweeping reforms aimed at the speedy, efficient and fair resolution of election-related disputes.

The Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026, signed by Chief Judge John Terhemba Tsoho, took effect on June 29. The rules allow the filing of pre-election cases on weekends and public holidays, permit virtual hearings, impose strict limits on adjournments and give the Chief Judge wider powers to transfer cases between judicial divisions.

In a statement by court information director Catherine Oby Christopher, the court said the directions were designed to enhance the timely disposal of pre-election matters in line with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and other laws. Registries nationwide will now open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. solely for filing such cases.

Under the new regime, pre-election suits must generally begin by originating summons except where fraud or forgery is alleged, respondents must enter appearance within seven days and file defences within 10, and written addresses must not exceed 15 pages. No party will ordinarily be granted more than two adjournments.

The directions also require litigants challenging party primaries to join all relevant parties, recognise electronic communication in proceedings, and direct judges to give priority to pre-election cases and explore amicable settlement where possible, while preserving proceedings begun before the new rules took effect.