The Federal High Court of Nigeria has directed all its registries across the country to begin operating on weekends and public holidays strictly for the filing of pre-election matters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the court’s Chief Registrar, Yahaya Shafa, amid increasing political activities and party primaries across the country.
According to the statement, the move became necessary due to the constitutional and statutory timelines guiding the filing and determination of pre-election cases.
“The Federal High Court of Nigeria formally notifies all legal practitioners that registries in all divisions of the Federal High Court would be open between 10:00 am and 2:00pm on weekends and public holidays for filing of pre-election matters only,” the statement read.
Read also:
- Court dismisses suit seeking to stop Jonathan from 2027 presidential race
- Court fixes May 26 for judgment on Jonathan’s 2027 eligibility suit
- Deputy speaker emerges unopposed as APC candidate for Bende Federal Constituency
“This has become expedient to meet the limited time frame for filing pre-election matters.”
The development comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with several parties already conducting primaries for governorship, National Assembly and state assembly positions.
Pre-election matters in Nigeria often involve disputes arising from party primaries, candidate nominations, delegate lists and alleged violations of the Electoral Act. Under Nigerian law, such cases are subject to strict timelines, compelling courts to hear and determine them within limited periods.
