Bauchi PRP Battles Court Order and Leadership Tussle Over Governorship Primary
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Bauchi State is facing a dual crisis involving a court order that restrains its governorship primary election and an internal leadership dispute over the alleged removal of the state party chairman. The party conducted its governorship primary on Monday, where Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South, emerged as the candidate. Following this, a disgruntled aspirant approached a court to stop the party, the senator, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from proceeding with the election.
Leadership Dispute and Alleged Due Process Violations
In addition to the legal challenge, a faction within the party announced the removal of the state chairman, accusing the leadership of violating due process by imposing Senator Shehu Buba Umar. The senator recently left the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the PRP and became the preferred candidate within hours, sparking controversy over the party's internal processes.
Civil Society Calls for Judicial Restraint
Speaking on Thursday, Najim Nurudeen, leader of the Concerned Civil Society Organisations in Bauchi, argued that appellate courts in Nigeria have consistently warned against undue interference in the internal affairs of political parties, except where explicitly permitted by statute. He emphasized that political parties are independent voluntary associations entitled to regulate their internal matters, including congresses and primaries, subject only to constitutional and statutory limitations.
Nurudeen called on the court to vacate or set aside the order within a reasonable time, describing it as inconsistent with the Electoral Act, 2026 and established principles of judicial non-interference in political party affairs. He stated, "Courts are expected under the law to exercise caution and restraint in matters touching on party primaries and internal political processes, particularly where the Electoral Act expressly limits judicial intervention."
Appeal for Calm and Lawfulness
He urged members of the public, party faithful, political stakeholders, and concerned citizens to remain calm and law-abiding as the issues arising from the court order are resolved. The situation underscores ongoing tensions within the PRP in Bauchi State, as the party navigates legal and internal challenges ahead of the general elections.
