Civil Society Groups Fault Interim Injunction on PRP Primaries in Bauchi
By Ahmed Ahmed
A coalition of civil society organisations in Bauchi State has faulted the purported interim injunction restraining the conduct of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) governorship primary election, describing the order as inconsistent with the Electoral Act, 2026 and established judicial precedents.
The coalition, operating under the banner of Concern Civil Society Organizations in Bauchi State, made its position known during a press conference addressed by its Convener, Najim Nurudeen, in Bauchi on Thursday.
The groups expressed concern over the interim order reportedly issued in Suit No. BA/181/2026 involving Idrees Safiyanu Gambo, the PRP, Senator Shehu Buba Umar and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the coalition, the order restrained the PRP from conducting its governorship primary election while also stopping INEC from supervising the exercise pending the determination of a motion on notice.
The CSOs argued that while court orders must be respected, courts are equally expected to operate within the jurisdiction granted by the Constitution and relevant statutes.
They maintained that Section 88(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026 expressly prohibits courts from granting interim or interlocutory injunctions restraining political party primaries, congresses or conventions.
Citing legal authorities including Onuoha v. Okafor, Dalhatu v. Turaki and Lado v. CPC, the coalition said appellate courts had consistently ruled that issues relating to nomination of candidates and party primaries largely remain internal affairs of political parties.
The groups further relied on Supreme Court decisions in Madukolu v. Nkemdilim and Tukur v. Government of Gongola State to argue that proceedings conducted without jurisdiction are nullities.
They called on the court to urgently reconsider and vacate the order in the interest of justice, democratic stability and public confidence in the judiciary.
The coalition also appealed to political actors and party supporters across the state to remain calm, avoid inflammatory actions and allow lawful judicial processes to take their course.
