PRP Scores Legal Victory As Bauchi High Court Dismisses Governorship Primary Challenge

By Khalid Idris Doya  The Bauchi State High Court No. 2 has dismissed Suit No. BA/181/2026 filed by Barrister Idrees Safiyanu Ga...

By Khalid Idris Doya 

The Bauchi State High Court No. 2 has dismissed Suit No. BA/181/2026 filed by Barrister Idrees Safiyanu Gambo against the People's Redemption Party (PRP), its governorship candidate Senator Shehu Buba Umar, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), awarding a total of N2 million in costs against the claimant.

Delivering the ruling on Thursday, Justice Kunaza N. Hamidu held that the application before the court could not be sustained in view of developments that had occurred during the proceedings.

The court consequently dismissed the suit and awarded costs of N1 million each in favour of the first and second defendants, bringing the total costs awarded to N2 million.

Barrister Gambo, through his counsel Ahmed Adam, had approached the court alleging that he was excluded from the PRP governorship primary election held on May 25. He sought judicial intervention over what he described as irregularities in the party's nomination process.

However, during the hearing, counsel to the claimant informed the court of his client's intention to discontinue the suit.

Counsel to the PRP, Barrister Muhammad M. Maidoki, opposed the application, arguing that substantial steps had already been taken in the matter and that parties had fully joined issues before the court. 

He urged the court to dismiss the suit rather than allow its withdrawal at that stage.

After considering the submissions of both parties, Justice Hamidu upheld the defendants' position, dismissed the suit and awarded costs accordingly.

Reacting to the judgment, counsel to Senator Shehu Buba Umar, Barr. Jibrin S. Jibrin, welcomed the decision, describing it as one that brings clarity to the political process and removes uncertainties surrounding the litigation.

According to him, the ruling allows political activities and preparations within the party to continue without disruption.

He also commended the judiciary for what he described as a firm and timely intervention and urged caution in public commentary on matters pending before the courts.

Similarly, Bauchi State PRP Chairman, Abdulrahman Mu'azu, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, praising the court's decision and calling on party members to remain calm, united and focused on the party's collective objectives.

In a related reaction, Lawyers for the Cause of Bauchi (LAWBA) also welcomed the court's decision, describing it as consistent with established legal principles.

Speaking on behalf of the group, its Publicity Secretary, Nasir H. Bala Esq., said the court acted in line with settled law by dismissing the suit after parties had joined issues in the substantive matter.

"The law is settled that where parties have joined issues in a substantive matter, the proper order on an application seeking discontinuance is dismissal of the suit," he said.

He commended Justice Hamidu for what he described as a ruling that reflects the true position of the law, adding that such decisions strengthen public confidence in the judiciary and reinforce the role of the courts as guardians of justice and democracy.

LAWBA also congratulated the PRP and Senator Shehu Buba Umar on the outcome, urging party leaders and supporters to regard the judgment as a call for greater unity and commitment ahead of future political contests.

The group advised the party to embrace reconciliation by carrying along all interests within its ranks, including supporters of the claimant, in order to present a united front.

The lawyers further commended the legal teams representing the defendants, including Barrister Muhammad M. Maidoki, Barrister Jibrin S. Jibrin and Barrister H.K. Raje, for their conduct of the case.

According to LAWBA, the matter highlights the importance of diligence and prompt action in handling pre-election cases, where timelines are often critical.

The group also urged citizens of Bauchi State to remain vigilant, participate actively in the democratic process and continue exercising their civic responsibility of electing leaders of their choice.