The Federal High Court has introduced significant amendments to its 2026 Pre-Election Practice Directions, approving virtual hearings, expanding administrative powers for case management and allowing election-related court filings on weekends and public holidays. The revised Practice Directions, signed by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, took effect on July 14, just weeks after the original guidelines came into force on June 26.
According to a statement issued by the court’s Director of Information, Dr. Catherine Christopher, the amendments were made pursuant to Sections 254 and 285(9), (10) and (14) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Sections 29(5) and 88(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 and other relevant laws.
She explained that the updated rules are designed to ensure the speedy, efficient and fair determination of pre-election disputes in line with constitutional and electoral requirements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A major feature of the amendments empowers judges handling pre-election matters to utilise technology, including virtual hearings, during court proceedings.
The revised rules also grant the Chief Judge authority to assign judges to hear pre-election matters in any judicial division of the Federal High Court and transfer cases between divisions whenever necessary. Under the new provisions, the court stated that the Chief Judge may deploy judges across judicial divisions to facilitate the hearing and determination of pre-election cases and relocate matters where circumstances require.
The amended Practice Directions strengthen electronic case management by allowing the court to notify lawyers of urgent proceedings through email and other electronic channels, provided such notices are issued at least 48 hours before scheduled hearings.
While maintaining the existing rule that no party may receive more than two adjournments, the new framework further provides that applications for adjournment will not be entertained on hearing dates. Parties that change legal representation during proceedings will also remain subject to the two-adjournment limit.
The revised rules retain the constitutional requirement that preliminary objections and jurisdictional issues be determined alongside the substantive case during final judgment.
However, judges now have additional authority to impose costs against parties or legal practitioners who file interlocutory applications solely to delay proceedings. The amendments further require parties making allegations involving fraud, forgery or other disputed facts to file written witness depositions alongside affidavits, with such witnesses available for cross-examination during proceedings.
The updated Practice Directions preserve earlier timelines governing pre-election litigation. Respondents are still required to enter appearance within seven days and file their defence within 10 days, while applicants retain three days to submit replies.
Written addresses supporting originating summons remain restricted to a maximum of 15 pages, while those accompanying preliminary objections must not exceed 10 pages. The Federal High Court had initially introduced the 2026 Pre-Election Practice Directions on June 26 as part of efforts to accelerate the resolution of election-related disputes within constitutionally prescribed timelines ahead of the 2027 general elections.
