The People's Redemption Party (PRP) in Bauchi State experienced a temporary reprieve after a court set aside an ex-parte order that had halted its governorship primary election. The order, issued on May 25, 2026, had restrained the party from holding the primary, but the PRP claimed it was unaware of the order until after the exercise had taken place.
Background of the Case
The suit, numbered BA/181/2026, was filed by Barr. Idrees Safiyanu Gambo against the PRP, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The plaintiff sought to halt the party's primary and congress, and the court granted the request, scheduling a hearing for June 8. This development was seen as an obstacle by the PRP, prompting its lawyers to seek the vacation of the ex-parte order.
Court Ruling
In a ruling delivered on Monday, Justice Kunaza N. Hamidu granted an application for abridgment of time and subsequently set aside the ex-parte order. The court directed all parties to respond to processes served on them within two days of receipt. Justice Hamidu stated, "That an order is hereby made for the abridgment of time within which the parties herein may respond to all processes served on them in this suit to wit-within two (2) days from receipt of service of any or all process(s) concerned in this suit."
The judge noted that after reviewing the motion ex-parte, supporting affidavit, and written address dated May 28, 2026, there were sufficient grounds to grant the application. He declared, "That the ex-parte order of this Honourable Court made on the 25th May, 2026 is hereby set aside." The matter was adjourned to June 4, 2026, for the hearing of the motion on notice.
Reactions from Legal Practitioners
A group of legal practitioners, Lawyers for the Cause of Bauchi, commended Justice Hamidu for what they described as a timely and appropriate judicial intervention. Barr. Nasir H. Bala Esq, the group's Secretary, stated that the decision demonstrated judicial responsibility, adherence to due process, and commitment to the rule of law. The lawyers noted that findings from the court registry indicated that the PRP governorship primary had already been conducted on May 25, 2026, before the restraining order was effectively served on the parties involved. According to the group, most parties received service of the order on May 26, a day after the primary election had taken place.
Nasir disclosed that Senator Shehu Buba Umar, the second defendant, had filed an application for abridgment of time to expedite the matter due to its pre-election nature. He explained that the court acknowledged the urgency associated with pre-election matters and the need for their prompt determination. The group further stated that during Monday's proceedings, the court was informed through affidavit evidence that the governorship primary sought to be restrained had already been concluded before service of the earlier order. Consequently, the court held that the act sought to be restrained had already occurred and that the basis for the interim injunction no longer existed.
Impact and Significance
Lawyers for the Cause of Bauchi described the ruling as a demonstration of judicial courage, fairness, and fidelity to the law. They argued that the decision reinforced the principle that courts have a duty to review their orders whenever circumstances and the interests of justice require such action. The group added that the ruling had eased concerns among PRP supporters and supporters of Senator Shehu Buba Umar, who feared the litigation could affect the party's preparations ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State.
While commending the judiciary for giving accelerated attention to the case, the lawyers urged all political actors, litigants, supporters, and stakeholders to respect the judicial process and avoid actions capable of undermining ongoing proceedings. They emphasised that democracy thrives when institutions operate within the confines of the law and courts remain impartial in dispensing justice.
