Bauchi State High Court No. 2 has struck out a suit challenging the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship primary in Bauchi State, awarding ₦8 million in costs against the claimant.
Justice Kunaza Hamidu, who delivered the ruling on Thursday, held that the case filed by Barr. Idrees Gambo could not proceed in light of procedural developments before the court.
The claimant had instituted Suit No. BA/181/2026 against the PRP, its candidate Shehu Buba, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging exclusion from the party’s governorship primary and irregularities in the nomination process. He sought the court’s intervention to address what he described as flaws in the exercise.
However, during the hearing, counsel to the claimant, Ahmed Adam, indicated plans to discontinue the case.
Counsel to the PRP, Muhammad Maidoki, objected to the move, arguing that the matter had already progressed substantially and that issues between the parties had been fully joined. He urged the court to dismiss the suit outright rather than allow a withdrawal at that stage.
After considering arguments from both sides, the court agreed with the defendants, struck out the case, and imposed costs of ₦1 million each in favour of the first and second defendants, totalling ₦2 million.
In reaction to the judgment, counsel to Sen. Shehu Buba, Jibrin Jibrin, described the ruling as a welcome development, saying it brings clarity to the political process and removes lingering uncertainty around the dispute. He added that political activities can now continue without disruption.
He also commended the judiciary for what he called a timely and firm decision, while urging caution in public discussions surrounding ongoing legal matters.
The PRP State Chairman, Abdulrahman Muazu, also expressed satisfaction with the ruling and called on party members to remain calm and united following the judgment.