The Federal High Court of Nigeria has issued new Practice Directions for handling pre-election matters, aimed at ensuring speedy, efficient and fair determination of disputes arising from electoral processes.

The new Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026 was issued by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, In a statement signed by the Director of Information of the court, Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, on Monday, the court said the new guidelines were designed to strengthen the administration of justice in pre-election disputes.

The Practice Directions, according to the statement, are intended to facilitate the prompt resolution of pre-election cases in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2026, and other relevant laws.

The court noted that the 2026 Practice Directions have repealed the earlier 2022 version, marking a fresh framework for the management of electoral litigation before the Federal High Court.

“The Federal High Court of Nigeria hereby notifies members of the Bar, political parties, litigants and the general public that the Honourable, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, has issued the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026,” the statement read.

The court urged all stakeholders, including lawyers, political parties and litigants, to familiarise themselves with the new Practice Directions for effective compliance.