The Federal High Court of Nigeria has announced that its registries will remain open on weekends and public holidays to accommodate the filing of pre-election matters ahead of the 2027 general elections. The directive, signed by Chief Registrar Yahaya Shafa, was issued on Thursday and is intended to ensure compliance with constitutional and statutory timelines governing the submission and determination of such cases.
The court explained that the measure was necessary to meet the limited timeframe available for handling disputes arising from party primaries and other pre-election processes. By extending registry operations beyond regular working days, the judiciary aims to prevent delays that could undermine the electoral calendar and ensure that litigants have adequate access to legal remedies.
Political parties across Nigeria have intensified preparations for the upcoming elections, with several already conducting primaries for governorship, National Assembly and state assembly positions. The court’s decision is expected to provide reassurance to stakeholders that disputes will be addressed promptly, reinforcing confidence in the electoral process as the country moves closer to 2027.
Legal analysts have welcomed the move, noting that Nigeria’s electoral framework places strict deadlines on the resolution of pre-election disputes. They argue that the court’s proactive stance will help reduce the risk of cases being dismissed on technical grounds and ensure that substantive issues are heard within the required timeframe.
Civil society groups have also reacted positively, describing the directive as a step toward strengthening democratic institutions. They emphasized that timely adjudication of disputes is critical to maintaining public trust in the electoral process, particularly in a country where contested primaries often lead to prolonged litigation.
Observers abroad view the decision as part of Nigeria’s broader effort to reinforce judicial efficiency ahead of a pivotal election cycle. By keeping registries open during weekends and holidays, the Federal High Court signals its commitment to safeguarding electoral integrity and ensuring that the 2027 general elections proceed within the bounds of constitutional order.
