The Bauchi State High Court No. 2 has dismissed a suit challenging the governorship primary of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and awarded a total cost of N2 million against the claimant, Barrister Idrees Gambo.
In its ruling delivered on Thursday, Justice Kunaza Hamidu struck out Suit No. BA/181/2026 filed against the PRP, its governorship candidate, Senator Shehu Umar Buba, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The judge held that the application before the court was no longer sustainable in view of developments that 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, through his counsel, Ahmed Adam, had approached the court alleging that he was excluded from the PRP governorship primary, challenging what he described as irregularities in the party’s nomination process.
However, during the hearing, the claimant’s counsel informed the court of his intention to discontinue the case.
Counsel for the PRP, Muhammad Maidoki, opposed the move, 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.
Speaking after 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.
According to him, the judgment clears the way for political activities and preparations to proceed unhindered.
He also commended the judiciary for what he described as a decisive and timely intervention and urged stakeholders to exercise caution in making public comments on matters before the courts.
Reacting 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.
