By Khalid Idris Doya
Bauchi, Nigeria — June 4, 2026(Series News Online)-Bauchi State High Court No. 2 on Thursday dismissed a suit filed by Barrister Idrees Safiyanu Gambo against the Peoples Redemption Party, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, and INEC over the party’s governorship primary election and awarded N2 million in costs to the defendants.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Kunaza N. Hamidu held that the application before the court could not be sustained in view of developments that had occurred during the proceedings.
“The application before this court cannot be sustained in view of developments that have occurred during the proceedings,” Justice Hamidu said.
The court consequently dismissed the suit and awarded costs of N1 million each in favour of the first and second defendants, bringing the total costs awarded to N2 million.
Barrister Gambo, through his counsel Ahmed Adam, had approached the court alleging that he was excluded from the PRP governorship primary election held on May 25. He sought judicial intervention over what he described as irregularities in the party’s nomination process.
However, during the hearing, counsel to the claimant informed the court of his client’s intention to discontinue the suit.
Counsel to the PRP, Barrister Muhammad M. Maidoki, opposed the application, arguing that substantial steps had already been taken in the matter and that parties had fully joined issues before the court.
“Substantial steps have already been taken in this matter and parties have joined issues,” Barrister Maidoki said. “We urge the court to dismiss the suit rather than allow its withdrawal at this stage.”
After considering the submissions of both parties, Justice Hamidu upheld the defendants’ position, dismissed the suit and awarded costs accordingly.
Reacting to the judgment, counsel to Senator Shehu Buba Umar, Barr. Jibrin S. Jibrin, welcomed the decision, describing it as one that brings clarity to the political process and removes uncertainties surrounding the litigation.
“This judgment brings clarity to the political process and removes the uncertainties surrounding the litigation,” Barr. Jibrin said. “It allows political activities and preparations within the party to continue without disruption.”
He also commended the judiciary for what he described as a firm and timely intervention and urged caution in public commentary on matters pending before the courts.
Similarly, Bauchi State PRP Chairman, Abdulrahman Mu’azu, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, praising the court’s decision and calling on party members to remain calm, united and focused on the party’s collective objectives.
“We are satisfied with the court’s decision,” Abdulrahman Mu’azu said. “I urge all party members to remain calm, united and focused on our collective objectives.”
In a related reaction, Lawyers for the Cause of Bauchi (LAWBA) also welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as consistent with established legal principles. Speaking on behalf of the group, its Publicity Secretary, Nasir H. Bala Esq., said the court acted in line with settled law by dismissing the suit after parties had joined issues in the substantive matter.
“The law is settled that where parties have joined issues in a substantive matter, the proper order on an application seeking discontinuance is dismissal of the suit,” Nasir H. Bala Esq. said. “Justice Hamidu’s ruling reflects the true position of the law. Such decisions strengthen public confidence in the judiciary and reinforce the role of the courts as guardians of justice and democracy.”
LAWBA also congratulated the PRP and Senator Shehu Buba Umar on the outcome, urging party leaders and supporters to regard the judgment as a call for greater unity and commitment ahead of future political contests.
The group advised the party to embrace reconciliation by carrying along all interests within its ranks, including supporters of the claimant, in order to present a united front.
The lawyers further commended the legal teams representing the defendants, including Barrister Muhammad M. Maidoki, Barrister Jibrin S. Jibrin and Barrister H.K. Raje, for their conduct of the case.
“This matter highlights the importance of diligence and prompt action in handling pre-election cases, where timelines are often critical,” LAWBA said.
The group also urged citizens of Bauchi State to remain vigilant, participate actively in the democratic process and continue exercising their civic responsibility of electing leaders of their choice.
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