The Federal High Court (FHC) in Nigeria has introduced a new Practice Direction that allows the filing of pre-election cases on weekends and public holidays as part of efforts to fast-track electoral dispute resolution ahead of the 2027 general elections.Under the directive issued by the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, court registries across all judicial divisions will now open between 10 a.m.and 2 p.m.on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, but strictly for pre-election matters.

This move comes as courts continue to struggle with a heavy backlog of election-related litigation, with some judges reportedly handling over 1,000 pending cases.

The decision follows concerns raised by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who recently highlighted the need for improved case management and faster delivery of justice to strengthen public trust in the judiciary.

The directive also aligns with constitutional provisions requiring pre-election cases to be concluded within 180 days of filing under the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.The new rules emphasize speed and efficiency, mandating strict timelines for filing responses, counter-affidavits, and written addresses.It also limits adjournments, encourages electronic service of court processes, and supports virtual hearings where necessary.Judges are expected to prioritize pre-election cases, ensure quick scheduling of hearings, and reduce delays caused by interlocutory applications.

Additionally, the practice direction requires that all disputes challenging party primaries or electoral processes include all relevant parties to ensure proper adjudication.It also gives the Chief Judge authority to assign judges across divisions or transfer cases where necessary.Importantly, the directive is not retroactive and will only apply to new cases.

Legal stakeholders, including the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, have long called for reforms to address congestion in election-related litigation.

The new measures are seen as part of broader judicial reforms aimed at improving efficiency, reducing backlog, and ensuring timely resolution of politically sensitive cases as the 2027 elections approach.