Bauchi Court Dismisses PRP Primary Suit, Orders Claimant To Pay N2m Costs

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

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

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

Barrister Gambo, through his counsel Ahmed Adam, had approached the court alleging exclusion from the PRP governorship primary held on 25 May, describing the process as irregular and seeking judicial intervention.

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

Counsel to the PRP, Barr. Muhammad M. Maidoki, opposed the discontinuance, arguing that substantial steps had already been taken in the matter and that issues had been fully joined.

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

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

Reacting to the judgment, counsel to Senator Shehu Buba, Barr. Jibrin S. Jibrin, welcomed the ruling, saying it brought clarity to the political process and removed uncertainties surrounding the litigation.

He said the decision would allow political activities within the party to continue without disruption.

He also commended the judiciary for what he described as a firm and timely intervention, urging restraint in public commentary on matters before the court.

Similarly, Bauchi State PRP Chairman, Abdulrahman Mu’azu, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, praising the court and calling on party members to remain calm, united, and focused on party goals moving forward.