Concerned civil society organisations in Bauchi State have called on the State High Court to urgently reconsider and suo motu set aside an interim order restraining the conduct of the gubernatorial primaries of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in the state.
The groups said the appeal was necessary to preserve public confidence in the judiciary and ensure adherence to the provisions of the Electoral Act, democratic principles and established judicial precedents.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Bauchi on Thursday, the coalition, convened by Najim Nuruddeen, said the court should vacate the order, which it described as inconsistent with the Electoral Act 2026 and principles limiting judicial interference in internal party affairs.
“We respectfully call upon the court to take necessary steps within a reasonable time to vacate and set aside the said order which, in our considered opinion, appears inconsistent with the express provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and established principles governing judicial non-interference in internal political party affairs,” the coalition said.
The organisations stressed that courts are expected to exercise restraint in matters relating to party primaries and internal political processes, particularly where the law limits such intervention.
They also urged political actors, stakeholders and supporters to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, noting that the matter would ultimately be resolved through lawful judicial processes.
The coalition cautioned against attempts to exploit the situation to inflame political tensions in Bauchi State, warning against inflammatory statements and actions capable of destabilising the polity.
According to the groups, democracy can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, maturity and responsible conduct.
They also referenced past political tensions in the state, warning against a repeat of crises that had drawn in actors across party lines.
While insisting that judicial processes must be respected, the coalition said its intervention was not politically motivated but aimed at defending constitutional democracy and the integrity of democratic institutions.
“No democracy can flourish where express statutory provisions are disregarded with impunity. The judiciary must continue to remain the last hope of the common man while ensuring strict adherence to constitutional and statutory limitations governing judicial powers,” the group stated.
Nuruddeen also cited Suit No. BA/181/2026 filed by Idrees Safiyanu Gambo against the PRP, Shehu Buba Umar and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), under which the court restrained the party from conducting its primary election pending determination of the motion on notice.
The coalition argued that Section 88(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 prohibits courts from granting interim or interlocutory orders restraining party primaries, congresses or conventions.
It maintained that such provisions are binding and that any order made contrary to them lacks legal validity.
Citing several judicial authorities, the groups argued that courts have consistently upheld the principle that political parties are voluntary associations entitled to manage their internal affairs within the law.
They also stressed that jurisdiction is fundamental to the validity of judicial decisions, insisting that courts have inherent powers to set aside orders made without jurisdiction.
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to good governance, rule of law and democratic accountability, urging stakeholders to act in defence of constitutional order and democratic stability.
