‎2027 Elections: Federal High Court Opens Registries on Weekends, Public Holidays for Pre-Election Cases

‎2027 Elections: Federal High Court Opens Registries on Weekends, Public Holidays for Pre-Election Cases
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‎By Rita Onuoha
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‎E-ISSN: 2354-4481
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‎The Federal High Court (FHC) has announced that its registries across all judicial divisions will henceforth be open on weekends and public holidays for the filing of pre-election cases ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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‎The Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Yahaya Shafa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja titled “Notice to Lawyers and the General Public.”
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‎Shafa explained that the registries will operate between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. during weekends and public holidays strictly for the filing of pre-election matters.
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‎According to him, the decision became necessary to ensure strict compliance with the limited constitutional timeframe provided for the hearing and determination of pre-election disputes.
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‎“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 10:00am and 2:00pm on weekends and public holidays for filing of pre-election matters only,” the statement read.
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‎He added that the special arrangement was introduced to enhance timely access to justice and prevent delays that could affect the electoral timetable.
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‎The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, parts of the electoral calendar remain subject to legal challenges in court.
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‎The development is expected to boost judicial responsiveness as political parties, candidates, and stakeholders intensify preparations for the upcoming general elections.