Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026

2. This Practice Directions may be cited as the Federal High Court (Pre-Election) Practice Directions, 2026.

1. The purpose of this Practice Directions is to-(a) provide for a fair, impartial and expeditious determination of pre-election cases;(b) ensure that in all election matters, the parties focus on matters which are genuinely in issue;(c) minimize the time spent in dealing with interlocutory matters;(d) ensure that the possibility of amicable settlement is explored before the parties go into hearing;(e) minimize undue adjournments and delays in the conduct of matters.

1. (1) This Practice Directions shall apply to every pre-election matter brought pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2026.

(2) The provisions of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 shall apply to any issue not provided for in this Practice Directions.

1. (1) The Court in every pre-election matter before it shall pay particular attention to the provisions of Sections 29 (5) (6) (7), 83 (5) & (6), 88 (1-4) of the Electoral Act, 2026 and Section 285 (14) (C) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended);

(2) A party challenging the conduct or outcome of a Primary Election shall join as Respondents in the Suit, all the relevant parties to enable the court to effectively determine the dispute.