A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the emergence of Dumo Lulu-Briggs as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate. The suit, filed by another NDC aspirant, Kings Unyeawaji, sought to nullify Lulu-Briggs’ victory in the party’s primary election, alleging exclusion from the process. The court, presided over by Justice Muhammed Turaki, struck out the case after Unyeawaji’s counsel applied to discontinue the action, a move that was not contested by the defendants.
Unyeawaji had named the NDC, its chairman, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Lulu-Briggs as respondents in the suit. He claimed he was denied the opportunity to participate in the governorship primary, which he argued violated party and electoral guidelines. His legal team sought to invalidate Lulu-Briggs’ candidacy on grounds of procedural irregularities and exclusion.
Ibim Dokubo, representing Lulu-Briggs, contested the case on two main grounds. First, he argued that Unyeawaji lacked legal standing, or locus standi, to bring the suit because he had not taken part in the primary election. Second, Dokubo pointed out that the statutory 14-day window for filing complaints related to party primaries had expired before the suit was initiated. These arguments were central to the defense’s position and contributed to the court’s decision to dismiss the case.
When the matter came up for hearing, Unyeawaji’s counsel formally applied to discontinue the suit. The defendants did not oppose the application, and Justice Turaki granted the request, effectively striking out the case. The court’s decision brings closure to what had been a potential source of political tension within the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In response, Dumo Lulu-Briggs expressed appreciation for Unyeawaji’s decision to allow the matter to end peacefully. He emphasized the importance of unity and sportsmanship in Nigerian politics, especially as the country prepares for the upcoming electoral cycle. “I thank him for allowing the matter to rest,” Lulu-Briggs said. “My hope is that in 2027, everyone who contests the election will accept the outcome in good faith.”
He further urged Rivers State politicians to engage in fair competition, stating, “We are all Rivers people. There are no monsters among us. Let us go to the field, contest on a level playing ground, and allow the people to decide.” His remarks underscore a call for peaceful political engagement and public trust in democratic processes.
This development highlights the growing emphasis on legal and procedural compliance in Nigeria’s electoral landscape, particularly as parties prepare for the 2027 elections. It also reflects the judiciary’s role in ensuring that political disputes are resolved within constitutional and statutory frameworks.
Leave a Comment