The Federal High Court has introduced a new set of Practice Directions for the handling of pre-election disputes, in a move aimed at accelerating the determination of electoral cases and strengthening the administration of justice ahead of future elections.
The new **Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026**, issued by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Terhemba Tsoho, replaces the 2022 guidelines and establishes a fresh framework for managing pre-election litigation across the country.
In a statement issued on Monday by the court’s Director of Information, Catherine Oby Christopher, the judiciary said the revised rules were designed to ensure the speedy, efficient and fair resolution of disputes arising from electoral processes.
According to the court, the Practice Directions are intended to facilitate the prompt determination of pre-election matters in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026 and other applicable laws.
The statement noted that the new guidelines formally repeal the **Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2022**, signalling a significant update to procedures governing election-related cases before the court.
“The Federal High Court of Nigeria hereby notifies members of the Bar, political parties, litigants and the general public that the Honourable 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 said.
The court urged lawyers, political parties, litigants and other stakeholders in the electoral process to study the new provisions and ensure full compliance.
The development comes as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of future elections, with pre-election disputes expected to remain a critical aspect of Nigeria’s electoral and judicial landscape.
