Federal High Court Issues New Pre-Election Practice Directions

The Federal High Court has issued new pre-election practice directions ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.

Daily Post and Vanguard reported that the directions were issued by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho.

The court said the rules are aimed at fairer and faster handling of pre-election disputes across the country.

Vanguard reported that the Chief Judge cited Sections 254 and 285 of the 1999 Constitution, provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and other enabling powers.

The reports said the new directions are expected to reduce delays, narrow issues in dispute and limit time spent on interlocutory matters.

The Federal High Court also said the 2026 directions have repealed the 2022 practice directions and now provide the framework for pre-election cases before the court.

Under the new procedure, court registries may open on weekends and public holidays for filing pre-election matters because of their time-sensitive nature.

Sources: Daily Post; Vanguard