A Federal High Court sitting in Bauchi has dismissed a suit instituted by Barrister Idris Gambo, which challenged the candidacy of Senator Shehu Buba Umar, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate for Bauchi State in the 2027 general elections. The court's decision was made on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, bringing an end to the prolonged legal challenge.
Senator Shehu Buba Umar described the ruling as a clear vindication of the party's gubernatorial primary election held in May 2026. He reaffirmed his confidence in the legitimacy of the process that produced him as the PRP governorship candidate. The Senator extended an olive branch to the claimant, stating that if he genuinely desires the progress and development of Bauchi State, there is still ample opportunity for everyone to work together in the larger interest of the state.
The Senator commended his legal team for their dedication, patience, and professionalism throughout the various stages of the litigation. The legal dispute had previously been heard at the State High Court No. 2, where Justice Hamidu Kunaza dismissed the case for lack of merit, before it proceeded to subsequent legal channels.
Senator Shehu Buba Umar expressed specific gratitude to members of his legal team, including Jibrin S. Jibrin, Esq., M. M. Usman, Esq., F. D. Buwala, Esq., H. B. Pali, Esq., I. G. Agwam, Esq., and G. J. Dajot, Esq., along with other team members, for their steadfast efforts in defending the party's position.
Senator Shehu Buba Umar conveyed his profound appreciation to PRP executives at all levels, party stakeholders, supporters, friends, relatives, and people of goodwill who stood firmly by him throughout what he described as a challenging period. According to him, this latest verdict should put to rest all doubts regarding the authenticity and legitimacy of the PRP primary elections conducted for various elective positions in Bauchi State.
The Senator urged all PRP members to unite and work collectively toward strengthening the party's structures statewide, mobilising supporters at the grassroots level, and presenting the party's candidates and platform to the people of Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 elections. He reaffirmed his commitment to working alongside party leaders, candidates, stakeholders, and supporters to build a formidable political movement.
Senator Shehu Buba Umar emphasised that the PRP offers credible candidates and a platform built on progressive ideals, adding that unity, discipline, and grassroots mobilisation will be essential to achieving the party's objectives. He urged PRP members to remain peaceful, focused, and committed to the democratic process, stressing that political differences must not override the collective interest of Bauchi State.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Bauchi dismissed a suit challenging Senator Shehu Buba Umar's candidacy as the PRP governorship candidate for Bauchi State.
- The court's decision vindicated the PRP's gubernatorial primary election held in May 2026.
- Senator Shehu Buba Umar urged PRP members to unite and work collectively toward strengthening the party's structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
