A coalition of civil society organisations in Bauchi State has called on the court to urgently vacate the interim order restraining the conduct of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) gubernatorial primaries in the state.

The group, operating under the banner of Concern Civil Society Organisations in Bauchi State, made the call during a press conference held in Bauchi.

The coalition leader Najeem Nurruddeen Abdullahi while briefing journalists at the NUJ secretariat on Thursday maintained that although court orders must be respected, the judiciary is equally bound by constitutional and statutory provisions governing its powers.

According to the CSOs, Section 88(4) of the Electoral Act, 2026 clearly prohibits courts from granting interim or ex parte orders restraining party primaries, congresses or conventions.

The group argued that the order made in Suit No. BA/181/2026 involving Idrees Safiyanu Gambo against the PRP, Senator Shehu Buba Umar and INEC appeared to exceed the jurisdiction granted to the court by law.

Citing judicial authorities including Madukolu Vs. Nkemdilim and Tukur Vs. Government of Gongola State, the coalition stated that any proceeding conducted without jurisdiction amounts to a nullity.

It further referenced the Supreme Court decision in Alawiye v. Ogunsanya, noting that courts possess inherent powers to set aside orders made without jurisdiction.

“With utmost respect, the granting of such an order appears to amount to direct judicial involvement in the internal affairs and democratic processes of a political party contrary to the spirit and intendment of the Electoral Act,” the group stated.

The CSOs therefore urged the judiciary to act swiftly in order to preserve public confidence and demonstrate fidelity to the rule of law.