Federal High Court Revises 2026 Pre-Election Rules, Introduces Virtual Hearings
The Federal High Court has revised its 2026 Pre-Election Practice Directions, introducing new measures aimed at ensuring the swift and efficient resolution of election-related disputes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The amended rules, approved by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, took effect on July 14, just weeks after the original Practice Directions came into force on June 26.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the court’s Director of Information, Dr. Catherine Christopher, the amendments were said to be made in line with relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, and other applicable laws to strengthen the handling of pre-election cases.
One of the key changes allows judges to conduct proceedings through virtual hearings, enabling the court to use technology to speed up the determination of cases.
The revised Practice Directions also empower the Chief Judge to assign judges to hear pre-election matters in any judicial division and transfer cases between divisions where necessary to improve efficiency.
In addition, the court can now notify lawyers of urgent hearings and other case developments through email and other electronic channels, provided such notice is issued at least 48 hours before the scheduled proceedings.
While maintaining the existing rule that parties cannot receive more than two adjournments, the amendments further provide that requests for adjournment will not be considered on hearing dates. Parties that change legal representation during proceedings are also restricted to a maximum of two adjournments.
The new rules retain the requirement that jurisdictional objections and other preliminary issues be decided together with the substantive case at the final judgment stage. However, courts are now authorised to impose costs on parties or lawyers who file interlocutory applications solely to delay proceedings.
The amended Practice Directions also require parties making allegations such as fraud or forgery to file written witness depositions alongside affidavits, with such witnesses subject to cross-examination during trial.
Other procedural timelines remain unchanged, including the seven-day period for respondents to enter appearance, 10 days to file their defence, and three days for applicants to respond. Written addresses supporting originating summons remain limited to 15 pages, while those for preliminary objections must not exceed 10 pages.
The Federal High Court said the amendments are intended to improve the speed, fairness and efficiency of pre-election litigation in compliance with constitutional and electoral law requirements.
