Court Adjourns Judgment on Suit Challenging Donald Duke's PRP Presidential Candidacy

The Federal High Court has adjourned until November 2 for judgment in a suit challenging the presidential candidacy of former Cross River governor Donald Duke for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). The legal challenge questions Duke's eligibility for the 2027 general elections.

Dr. Yakubu Kingsley, an aspirant, filed the suit against the PRP, Duke, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The core of the plaintiff's argument is that Duke was not a registered member of the PRP as of May 4, the deadline for submitting the party's membership register to INEC. The suit also seeks to declare overvoting in specific states and invalidate Duke's nomination.

Kingsley's legal team is asking the court to declare that Duke, not being a registered member, could not legally participate in the May 25 primary election. They also argue Duke failed to comply with party guidelines by not physically presenting himself for screening. The plaintiff seeks an order setting aside the primary election results in Bauchi, Gombe, and Kwara due to alleged overvoting and requests recognition as the PRP's presidential candidate.