A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed July 7, 2026, to hear a lawsuit seeking to nullify the emergence of former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) for the 2027 general election. Donald Duke
The matter came up before Justice Mohammad Umar on Monday, where the plaintiff's counsel informed the court that Duke had already responded to the suit. Consequently, the lawyer withdrew an earlier application requesting permission to serve court documents through substituted means, explaining that the application had become unnecessary.
Justice Umar granted the request, struck out the application, and directed the plaintiff's counsel to ensure that hearing notices are served on all parties before the next court date. The case was subsequently adjourned until July 7 for substantive hearing.
The suit was filed by PRP presidential aspirant Yakubu Kingsley, who is challenging Duke's nomination on several grounds. Among his claims are that Duke was allegedly not a registered member of the party when the membership register was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), that he did not fully comply with the party's screening requirements, and that the presidential primary election was marred by alleged irregularities, including claims of over-voting in some states.
Kingsley is asking the court to invalidate Duke's nomination, prevent INEC from recognising him as the PRP presidential candidate, and instead declare him the rightful flagbearer of the party for the 2027 presidential election. The court is expected to begin hearing the substantive arguments when proceedings resume on July 7.
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