The Federal High Court has ordered its registries nationwide to remain open on weekends and public holidays for the filing of pre-election cases ahead of next year’s general elections.
In a statement issued by the court’s Chief Registrar, Yahaya Shafa, said the directive was aimed at ensuring compliance with constitutional and statutory deadlines governing pre-election matters.
“The Federal High Court of Nigeria formally notifies all legal practitioners that Registries in all Divisions of the Federal High Court would be open Weekends and Public Holidays for Filing of Pre-Election Matters Only,” the statement said.
“This has become expedient to meet up with the limited time frame for filing Pre-election matters.”
Pre-election cases often arise from disputes linked to party primaries, candidate nominations and other electoral processes, all of which are subject to strict timelines under Nigeria’s electoral laws.
Political parties across the country have intensified preparations for the forthcoming general elections, with several already conducting primaries for governorship, National Assembly and state assembly positions.
The move by the Federal High Court is expected to ease the filing process for lawyers and political actors seeking judicial intervention in disputes emerging from the primaries.
