2027 pre-election matters: Justice Tsoho issues FHC amended 2026 practice directions
By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
In anticipation of flood of pre-election matters for the 2027 general elections and to meet up with the time set out for the conclusion of all matters, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, OFR, KSS, FCIArb.(UK) , has issued the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions (Amendment), 2026.
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), Sections 29(5) and 88(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and all other powers enabling the Honourable Chief Judge in that regard.
This latest development amends the initial Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026, which came into effect from Friday, 26th June, 2026.
It notes that the amended Federal High Court (Pre-election Practice Directions is in line with the initial Practice Directions and it is intended to enhance acceralated, efficient, fair hearing and determination of pre-election matters and to meet up with the time set out for the conclusion of all matters in keeping with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2026, and other applicable laws.
According to a press release dated July 15, 2026 and signed by Dr. Catherine Oby Christopher, Director of Information.
Federal High Court of Nigeria, the general public is hereby notified on the amended Practice Directions issued by the honourable Chief Judge.
The press release reads
ISSUANCE OF THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT (PRE-ELECTION) PRACTICE DIRECTIONS (Amendment), 2026.
“The Federal High Court of Nigeria notifies the general public that the Honourable, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, OFR, has issued the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions(Amendment), 2026, amending the initial Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026, which came into effect from Friday, 26th June, 2026.
“The Amended Practice Directions is made pursuant to Sections 254 and 285(9), (10) and (14) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Sections 29(5) and 88(2) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and all other powers enabling the Honourable Chief Judge in that regard.
“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 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2026, and other applicable laws.
A copy of the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions (Amendment), 2026 is attached to this Press Release, for reference purposes.”
