The Bauchi State High Court No. 2 has dismissed a legal challenge to the Peoples Redemption Party’s (PRP) governorship primary, awarding a total of N2 million in costs against the claimant, Barrister Idrees Gambo. The ruling, delivered on Thursday by Justice Kunaza Hamidu, dismissed Suit No. BA/181/2026, which had been filed against the PRP, its governorship candidate Senator Shehu Umar Buba, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The court found that the application was no longer sustainable due to developments during the proceedings, leading to its dismissal.
Justice Hamidu awarded N1 million each to the first and second defendants, bringing the total cost awarded against Gambo to N2 million. The claimant had alleged that he was unfairly excluded from the PRP’s governorship primary, accusing the party of irregularities in its nomination process. Gambo, represented by counsel Ahmed Adam, had initially approached the court to seek redress for what he described as an unjust exclusion from the party’s internal selection process.
During the hearing, Gambo’s counsel informed the court of his intention to discontinue the case. However, counsel for the PRP, Muhammad Maidoki, opposed the withdrawal, arguing that the matter had advanced significantly and that both parties had already joined issues. He urged the court to dismiss the suit instead of allowing its withdrawal at such a late stage.
After evaluating the submissions from both sides, the court sided with the defendants. It ruled that the case should be dismissed and that costs should be awarded against the claimant. The decision was seen as a significant development in the PRP’s political journey ahead of the upcoming elections.
Counsel to Senator Shehu Buba, Jibrin Jibrin, welcomed the judgment, describing it as a positive step that brings clarity and stability to the party’s political process. He emphasized that the ruling clears the way for uninterrupted political activities and preparations. Jibrin also praised the judiciary for its decisive and timely intervention, urging all stakeholders to refrain from making public comments on ongoing legal matters.
Abdulrahman Muazu, the Bauchi State chairman of the PRP, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. He called on party members to remain calm, focused, and united as they continue their campaign efforts. The dismissal of the suit reinforces the legitimacy of Senator Buba’s candidacy and strengthens the party’s position in the state’s political landscape.
This ruling underscores the importance of judicial oversight in maintaining order and fairness in Nigeria’s electoral and political processes. As the PRP moves forward, the judgment serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and adherence to legal procedures in party primaries.
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