FEDERAL HIGH COURT
The Federal High Court of Nigeria has introduced a major measure ahead of the 2027 general elections, announcing that court registries across all its divisions will now operate on weekends and public holidays specifically for pre-election matters.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Chief Registrar of the court, Yahaya Shafa. According to the statement, the decision was taken to ensure compliance with constitutional and statutory timelines governing the filing and determination of pre-election cases in Nigeria.
Under the new arrangement, legal practitioners will be able to access court registries between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on weekends and public holidays strictly for pre-election filings.
Court officials explained that the directive has become necessary due to the growing volume of political disputes emerging ahead of the 2027 elections and the limited time allowed by law to address such cases.
Political activities have already intensified across the country, with several political parties conducting primaries for governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly positions. As preparations for the polls gather momentum, the judiciary is expected to play a critical role in ensuring that electoral disputes are resolved promptly and fairly.
Observers say the Federal High Court’s latest move is a proactive step aimed at reducing delays in electoral litigation and preventing procedural bottlenecks that could affect the nation’s democratic process.
The directive also reflects the judiciary’s commitment to strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system by ensuring that all pre-election matters are handled within the timeframe provided by law.
With the 2027 general elections gradually approaching, attention is expected to remain on the courts as political parties and aspirants continue to navigate the legal dimensions of the electoral process.
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