Bauchi court dismisses PRP primary suit, awards N2m costs

The Bauchi State High Court No. 2 dismissed a lawsuit that challenged the Peoples Redemption Party’s (PRP) governorship primary and awarded a total of N2 million in costs against the claimant, Barrister Idrees Gambo.

In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice Kunaza Hamidu struck out 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 judge ruled that the application was no longer sustainable in light of developments that had occurred during the proceedings. Consequently, the court dismissed the suit and awarded N1 million each to the first and second defendants, bringing the total cost awarded against the claimant to N2 million.

Gambo, represented by counsel Ahmed Adam, had approached the court alleging that he had been excluded from the PRP governorship primary and challenging what he described as irregularities in the party’s nomination process. During the hearing, the claimant’s counsel informed the court of his intention to discontinue the case.

PRP counsel Muhammad Maidoki opposed the withdrawal, arguing that the matter had progressed substantially and that parties had already joined issues before the court. He urged the court to dismiss the suit rather than allow its withdrawal at that stage.

After considering submissions from both sides, the court upheld the defendants’ position, dismissed the case, and awarded costs against the claimant.

Following the judgment, counsel to Senator Shehu Buba, Jibrin Jibrin, described the ruling as a welcome development that brings certainty to the political process and ends concerns generated by the litigation. He said the judgment clears the way for political activities and preparations to proceed unhindered. He also praised the judiciary for its decisive and timely intervention and urged stakeholders to exercise caution in making public comments on matters before the courts.

In response to the verdict, the Bauchi State chairman of the PRP, Abdulrahman Muazu, expressed satisfaction with the outcome and called on party members to remain calm, focused, and united as the party moves forward.