Court Moves to Meet Constitutional Timelines
The Federal High Court of Nigeria has directed all registries nationwide to operate on weekends and public holidays.
This decision applies strictly to pre-election matters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Moreover, the court said the move will help meet strict constitutional timelines for election disputes.
The directive came through a statement signed by Chief Registrar Yahaya Shafa on Thursday.
Weekend Filing Hours Announced
According to the statement, registries across all divisions will now open on weekends and public holidays.
Specifically, the operating hours will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
However, this schedule will apply only to pre-election filings.
In addition, the court explained that the arrangement will ensure faster handling of election-related cases.
The statement read that the move became necessary due to limited timeframes for filing such matters.
Political Parties Intensify Preparations
Meanwhile, political parties across Nigeria have increased preparations for the 2027 elections.
In recent weeks, several parties have conducted primaries for governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly positions.
Consequently, analysts expect a rise in pre-election disputes as the electoral cycle advances.
Furthermore, legal observers say courts will face heavier workloads as political activity expands.
Court Reinforces Role in Electoral Disputes
The Federal High Court continues to serve as a key institution for resolving election-related cases in Nigeria.
Therefore, the new schedule aims to reduce delays and improve judicial efficiency.
In addition, it strengthens access to justice during the election period.
Finally, stakeholders believe the adjustment will help ensure smoother electoral litigation processes ahead of 2027.
