Sen. Shehu Buba Umar, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Bauchi State for the 2027 general elections, has expressed confidence that the Supreme Court's judgment on provisions of the Electoral Act will not derail his ambition. He made this statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Comrade Sabo Mohammed, on Friday. According to Buba, he has fully complied with all applicable provisions of the electoral law and remains steadfast in his ambition to contest the Bauchi State governorship election.
The Supreme Court, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, upheld an appeal filed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concerning provisions of the Electoral Act related to political party membership registers and candidate nominations. This judgment has sparked concerns about its implications for upcoming elections. However, Shehu Buba emphasized that the judgment's legal position, along with INEC's authority to issue guidelines for the 2027 electoral process, took effect on September 24, 2026.
Shehu Buba noted that all key electoral activities completed before the ruling, including the submission of party membership registers, the conduct of primaries, and the nomination of candidates, were carried out under the legal and regulatory framework in effect at the time. He maintained that the judgment must not be applied retroactively to invalidate electoral processes and actions that were lawfully concluded. According to Buba, the principle of non-retroactivity is critical when interpreting the effect of the judgment.
The PRP governorship candidate further explained that while the Supreme Court judgment applies broadly to interpretations of the Electoral Act, its practical application to the current election cycle must take into account activities already completed under the previous rules. Sen. Shehu Buba, who is currently representing Bauchi South Senatorial District in the Senate, stated that he had satisfied all statutory requirements for his candidacy and saw no basis for claims that the judgment invalidated his governorship bid.
Shehu Buba expressed confidence that INEC would issue clear guidelines regarding the Supreme Court judgment's general application and its implications for political parties and candidates. He urged his supporters, party members, and well-wishers across Bauchi State to remain calm and disregard interpretations intended to create confusion surrounding his candidacy. The senator also disclosed that he had directed his legal team to thoroughly review the judgment and provide further guidance as the electoral process progresses.
INEC's official 2027 election schedule confirms that the Commission commenced the electoral process well before the September 2026 ruling, including activities related to party membership registers and candidate primaries. Shehu Buba reaffirmed his commitment to his campaign and continued engagement with stakeholders across Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 elections. He added that his ambition to clinch the governorship of Bauchi State remains firmly on course.
The senator concluded by stating that there is no going back on his governorship bid, and he is confident of achieving his goal by the special grace of Almighty Allah. With his legal team reviewing the judgment, Shehu Buba is poised to navigate any potential implications of the Supreme Court's verdict on his candidacy. His supporters and party members have been urged to remain calm and focused on the campaign ahead.
Key points
- Shehu Buba is confident that the Supreme Court judgment will not affect his 2027 governorship bid in Bauchi State.
- The judgment took effect on September 24, 2026, but will not be applied retroactively to invalidate previously concluded electoral processes.
- Shehu Buba has satisfied all statutory requirements for his candidacy and is committed to his campaign.
