Senator Buba Gets Relief as Court Rejects Challenge to PRP Governorship Primary in Bauchi
Senator Buba Gets Relief as Court Rejects Challenge to PRP Governorship Primary in Bauchi
The Lawyers for the Cause of Bauchi (LAWBA) have welcomed the decision of the High Court of Justice of Bauchi State dismissing the suit filed by Barrister Idrees Safiyanu Gambo against the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), its governorship candidate, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Addressing a press conference in Bauchi on Wednesday, LAWBA described the judgment delivered by Justice Kunaza N. Hamidu of High Court No. 2 as a victory for the rule of law, democratic governance, and judicial independence.
The legal advocacy group said the court’s decision was consistent with established legal principles governing cases in which parties have already joined issues in a substantive matter.
According to LAWBA, once parties have fully joined issues, the proper order regarding an application for withdrawal or discontinuance is dismissal of the suit, rather than striking it out.
The group commended Justice Hamidu for what it described as a sound interpretation of the law, noting that the ruling, including the award of costs in favour of the PRP and Senator Shehu Buba Umar, would strengthen public confidence in the judiciary.
“Such decisions founded on the correct position of the law always instill confidence in the judiciary and reaffirm the role of the courts as the last hope of the common man,” LAWBA stated.
The group also urged the PRP, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, and their supporters to regard the outcome as an opportunity to deepen internal unity and strengthen preparations for the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State.
LAWBA advised party leaders to adopt a reconciliatory approach by embracing all stakeholders, including those involved in the litigation, in the spirit of unity and inclusiveness.
The lawyers described Senator Shehu Buba Umar as a grassroots politician with broad appeal across the state and encouraged the party to consolidate on its growing support base ahead of the election.
The group noted that the PRP has historically maintained a significant political presence in Bauchi State and argued that its manifesto aligns with the aspirations of ordinary citizens.
LAWBA further said the forthcoming governorship election would provide voters with an opportunity to make a choice based on issues, programmes, and leadership capacity.
The lawyers also commended the legal teams that represented the defendants in the matter, including M.M. Maidoki Esq., Jibrin S. Jibrin Esq., and H.K. Raji Esq., for their professionalism and diligence in handling the case.
The group particularly praised Jibrin S. Jibrin for what it described as his prompt response to court processes and commitment to ensuring the timely resolution of the pre-election matter.
According to LAWBA, the conduct of the defence lawyers demonstrated the importance of professionalism and responsiveness in election-related litigation where statutory timelines are critical.
The organisation congratulated the people of Bauchi State on the court’s decision and urged citizens to remain vigilant, actively participate in the democratic process, and continue to exercise their civic responsibility of electing leaders of their choice.
LAWBA also called on political actors and supporters to maintain peace and respect the rule of law as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
The suit filed by Barrister Idrees Safiyanu Gambo had challenged aspects of the PRP governorship primary election that produced Senator Shehu Buba Umar as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State.
By TimesNG