Alex Enuma in Abuja
Federal High Court to Hear Challenge Against Donald Duke’s Candidacy
Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja is set to hear a case today regarding the eligibility of former Cross River Governor Donald Duke as the presidential candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) for the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
Legal Action Initiated by Dissatisfied Party Volunteer
The PRP, alongside Duke and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), are named as the first, second, and third defendants in a lawsuit brought forward by concerned party member Yakubu Muhamed Kingsley and his attorney, Representative Saliman.
Key Questions Raised About Party Membership and Election Validity
In the suit, designated FHC/ABJ/CS/1234/2026, the plaintiffs are requesting the court to ascertain whether Duke was registered as a party member as of May 4, the date when the PRP submitted its membership register to INEC. They contend that Duke’s candidacy in the May 25 primary election—and the results to be announced on May 26—should be scrutinized.
Allegations of Overvoting Must Be Addressed
Furthermore, Kingsley asserts that even if instances of overvoting are confirmed in states like Bauchi and Kwara, this should not invalidate the primary election results. For example, in Bauchi, 593 registered members were documented, yet total votes reached 760. Similar disparities were noted in Kwara, where only 55 members were listed, but 82 votes were recorded.
Demands for Court Intervention
If the court confirms their claims, the plaintiffs seek a declaration that Duke, who allegedly lacks PRP membership, should be barred from participating in the party’s May 25 primary election, which will announce its winner on May 26. Moreover, Kingsley insists that Duke violated party protocols by failing to attend the necessary screening at the state secretariat prior to the election.
Suspension of Election Results Sought
Kingsley is asking the court to suspend the results of the presidential elections conducted in Bauchi, Gombe, and Kwara due to the alleged over-voting. He is also seeking recognition as the legitimate PRP presidential candidate, emphasizing adherence to all party guidelines and proper registration.
INEC’s Role Under Scrutiny
The plaintiffs are additionally seeking an order that directs INEC not to recognize Duke as the PRP’s presidential candidate and to remove his name from its official records. They are concurrently requesting a mandate for election officials to acknowledge Kingsley as the rightful candidate.
Claims of Violation of Election Guidelines
In an affidavit supporting the suit, Kingsley states that he actively participated in the presidential selection process at the PRP National Secretariat in Abuja from May 15 to 19, 2026. He claims to have received prior approval from the party to engage in the primary election scheduled for May 25. Kingsley expressed astonishment when Duke’s name appeared on the candidate list, despite his reported absence from the required screening exercise, which he argues contravenes INEC’s existing regulations that mandate political parties submit a list of registered members at least 21 days before holding primaries.
Concerns About Fraudulent Practices
Kingsley has reported multiple complaints from party members regarding Duke’s qualifications and alleged widespread fraud affecting the primary election process. He points to instances where the total votes cast surpassed the number of eligible registered party members, indicating potential manipulation.
