Court Vacates Ex-Parte Order in Bauchi PRP Governorship Primary Dispute Involving Senator Shehu Buba Umar
Court Vacates Ex-Parte Order in Bauchi PRP Governorship Primary Dispute Involving Senator Shehu Buba Umar
Lawyers Commend Judiciary, Say Decision Restores Confidence in Democratic Process
A group operating under the banner of Lawyers for the Cause of Bauchi has hailed the decision of the Bauchi State High Court to set aside an earlier ex-parte order restraining the conduct of the governorship primary election of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), describing the development as a victory for justice, due process and democratic participation.
Addressing journalists in Bauchi on Monday, the group said the decision followed fresh facts presented before the court indicating that the PRP governorship primary election had already been conducted before the restraining order was served on the parties involved.
The press conference was addressed and signed by Nasir H. Bala, Publicity Secretary, and Amina Yahaya, Director of Female Lawyers, on behalf of Lawyers for the Cause of Bauchi.
The legal dispute arose from a suit filed by Barrister Idrees Safiyanu Gambo against the PRP, its governorship candidate, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), challenging the conduct of the party’s governorship primary election held on May 25, 2026.
According to the lawyers, an ex-parte order issued by High Court No. 2, Bauchi, on the day of the primary election had sought to restrain the PRP from conducting the exercise and INEC from supervising it.
However, they said findings at the court registry showed that the primary election was successfully conducted before the order was served on the affected parties, with most parties reportedly receiving service on May 26, a day after the exercise had been concluded.
The group disclosed that Senator Shehu Buba Umar, through his legal team led by Jibrin S. Jibrin Esq., subsequently filed an application seeking an abridgment of time, urging the court to accelerate hearing of the matter in view of its status as a pre-election dispute.
They noted that concerns had grown among supporters of the PRP and Senator Buba that prolonged litigation could affect the party’s preparations ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
At the resumed sitting on June 1, 2026, the court reportedly considered the application and acknowledged the urgency associated with pre-election matters.
According to the lawyers, Justice Kunaza N. Hamidu granted the request for accelerated hearing and subsequently reviewed the circumstances surrounding the earlier restraining order.
They stated that the court found that the governorship primary election sought to be restrained had already taken place before service of the order, thereby rendering the basis of the ex-parte order ineffective.
Consequently, the court set aside the earlier order issued on May 25, 2026.
The lawyers described the ruling as a demonstration of judicial courage, fairness and commitment to the rule of law.
“This development underscores the willingness of the court to review its decisions where circumstances and the interest of justice require. It reinforces the principle that the primary duty of the court is to uphold justice and ensure that its processes are not used to achieve outcomes inconsistent with the law or prevailing facts,” the group stated.
They further commended Justice Hamidu for what they described as a responsible and timely judicial intervention, noting that the decision had restored confidence among party supporters and advocates of democratic competition.
According to them, the ruling preserves the opportunity for voters to assess all candidates and political parties ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State.
The lawyers also praised the judiciary for giving the matter expedited attention, stressing that timely resolution of pre-election disputes remains critical to safeguarding democratic stability.
While reaffirming their confidence in the judiciary as the guardian of constitutional democracy and the rule of law, the group urged all political actors, supporters and stakeholders to respect the judicial process and avoid inflammatory statements capable of undermining ongoing proceedings.
They emphasized that democracy thrives when institutions operate within the confines of the law and courts are allowed to determine disputes fairly and impartially.
The substantive suit has been adjourned until June 4, 2026, for further proceedings.
By TimesNG