Court dismisses suit challenging PRP guber primary in Bauchi

The Bauchi State High Court No. 2, presided over by Justice Kunaza Hamidu, on Thursday dismissed a suit filed against the conduct of the recently concluded governorship primary election of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

The suit, marked No. BA/181/2026 was filed by Barr. Idrees Gambo against the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Shehu Buba, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking to stop the conduct of the primaries.

While delivering the ruling, Justice Kunaza Hamidu held that the application before the court could not be sustained in view of the procedural developments in the matter.

The judge subsequently dismissed the suit and imposed costs of ₦1 million each in favour of the first and second defendants, bringing the total award to ₦2 million.

The claimant, through his counsel, Ahmed Adam, had earlier approached the court alleging that he was excluded from the PRP governorship primaries and sought judicial intervention over what he described as irregularities in the party’s nomination process.

However, during proceedings, the claimant’s counsel indicated an intention to discontinue the suit.

Counsel to the PRP, Muhammad Maidoki, opposed the discontinuance, arguing that substantial steps had already been taken in the matter and that issues had been properly joined before the court.

He urged the court to dismiss the case outright rather than allow withdrawal at that stage.

Following arguments from both sides, the court upheld the position of the defendants, dismissed the suit, and awarded costs as stated.

Reacting after the judgment, Jibrin Jibrin, counsel to Sen. Shehu Buba Umar, welcomed the ruling, describing it as a relief that restores clarity to the political process and removes uncertainties that had surrounded the litigation.

He added that the decision allows political activities and preparations to continue without disruption.

Jibrin O. Jibrin also commended the judiciary for what he termed a firm and timely intervention, while urging restraint in public commentary on ongoing court matters.

The PRP State Chairman, Abdulrahman Muazu, also expressed satisfaction with the ruling, appreciating the court and urging party members to remain calm and united following the decision.

He assured that the PRP is ever ready to engage only in issue-based campaigns in order to let voters in the state become well acquainted with its ideology and vision for good governance.

The chairman added that although it is not yet time for electioneering campaigns, the party will continue to engage in sensitisation and membership drives across the state.