Bauchi CSOs Urge Court to Vacate Order Restraining PRP Primary Election
By Ahmed Ahmed
Concerned Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Bauchi State have called on the court to urgently vacate the purported interim order restraining the conduct of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) governorship primary election in the state.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday in Bauchi, the coalition, led by its Convener, Najim Nurudeen, argued that the order allegedly issued in Suit No. BA/181/2026 contradicted the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026 and established judicial precedents on political party affairs.
The suit, filed by Idrees Safiyanu Gambo against the PRP, Senator Shehu Buba Umar and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), reportedly restrained the party from conducting its governorship primary while also preventing INEC from supervising the exercise pending the determination of a motion on notice.
The CSOs maintained that although court orders deserve respect, courts must also operate strictly within the jurisdiction granted by law.
According to the coalition, Section 88(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026 expressly prohibits courts from issuing interim or interlocutory orders restraining the conduct of party primaries, congresses or conventions.
The group further cited judicial authorities including Onuoha v. Okafor, Dalhatu v. Turaki and Lado v. CPC, which they said consistently affirmed that internal party matters such as nomination of candidates are largely non-justiciable except where expressly permitted by statute.
The coalition also referenced Supreme Court decisions in Madukolu v. Nkemdilim and Tukur v. Government of Gongola State, stressing that proceedings conducted without jurisdiction amount to nullities.
The CSOs urged the court to reconsider and set aside the order in order to preserve confidence in the judiciary, uphold democratic principles and ensure compliance with the Electoral Act.
They also appealed to politicians, party supporters and residents of Bauchi State to remain peaceful and avoid actions capable of escalating political tension while lawful judicial processes continue.
