The Federal High Court has introduced special filing arrangements for pre-election cases ahead of the 2027 general elections, directing court registries nationwide to operate during weekends and public holidays.
The move is expected to ease pressure on lawyers and political parties as preparations for the next electoral cycle gather momentum across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Chief Registrar Yahaya Shafa said the decision became necessary because of the strict constitutional deadlines attached to pre-election disputes.
According to the court, all divisions of the Federal High Court will now open their registries from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on weekends and public holidays strictly for matters relating to pre-election filings.
Court officials said the temporary arrangement is designed to ensure that political cases are filed and processed within legally approved timelines.
“The court is taking proactive measures to prevent delays associated with pre-election litigation,” the statement noted.
“This step will help legal practitioners meet constitutional deadlines without unnecessary procedural setbacks.”
The development comes at a time when political activities linked to the 2027 elections are beginning to intensify nationwide.
Several political parties have already commenced primary elections for governorship, National Assembly and state assembly positions, while internal consultations among aspirants continue to increase.
Legal analysts believe the court’s decision could reduce last-minute filing complications, which have often affected election-related cases in previous electoral cycles.
A senior Abuja-based lawyer, who reacted to the directive, said the judiciary appeared determined to avoid procedural bottlenecks as the political season gains speed.
“With the volume of pre-election disputes expected in the coming months, extending registry operations is a practical decision,” the lawyer said.
“It reflects the urgency attached to electoral matters under Nigerian law.”
Election observers also noted that pre-election litigations are likely to rise sharply as parties conclude primaries and finalize candidate selections for the 2027 polls.
The Federal High Court remains one of the major judicial platforms for resolving disputes arising from party primaries, candidate nominations and other election-related disagreements.