By Emmanuel Onyedika
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho, has announced amendments to the 2026 Pre-Election Practice Directions, which came into effect on June 26.
In a statement issued by the court’s Director of Information, Mrs. Catherine-Oby Christopher, Justice Tsoho explained that the amendments were made pursuant to Sections 254 and 285(9), (10) and (14) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Sections 29(5) and 88(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
He said the changes are aimed at enhancing the speedy, efficient and fair determination of pre-election matters ahead of the 2027 general elections. “In line with the initial Practice Directions, the amendment is intended to enhance the speedy, efficient, and fair determination of pre-election matters in keeping with the Constitution and the Electoral Act,” the statement noted.
The court also introduced fresh measures, including provisions empowering judges to conduct virtual hearings, transfer pre-election cases across judicial divisions, and keep court registries open on weekends and public holidays for the filing of election-related suits.
The amendments, according to the Chief Judge, are designed to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process and ensure timely resolution of disputes before the polls.