Federal High Court Issues Amended Pre-Election Practice Directions Ahead Of 2027 Polls
The Federal High Court of Nigeria has announced the issuance of the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions (Amendment), 2026, introducing changes to the rules guiding the handling of pre-election cases across the country.
The amendment was approved by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, OFR, and took effect on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the court, the new Practice Directions amend the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026, which originally came into force on Friday, June 26, 2026.
The court explained that the amendment was made pursuant to Sections 254 and 285(9), (10) and (14) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), as well as Sections 29(5) and 88(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, alongside other enabling legal provisions.
It stated that the revised rules are designed to improve the speedy, efficient and fair determination of pre-election disputes in line with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, 2026 and other relevant laws.
The Federal High Court noted that the amendment forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the administration of electoral justice ahead of future elections, particularly as political parties prepare for activities leading to the 2027 general elections.
A copy of the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions (Amendment), 2026 was released alongside the announcement to guide lawyers, litigants, political parties and other stakeholders involved in pre-election matters.
The statement was signed by Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, Director of Information, Federal High Court of Nigeria, and dated July 15, 2026.