The governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Bauchi State for the 2027 general elections, Sen. Shehu Buba Umar, has dismissed reports suggesting that Thursday’s Supreme Court judgment on provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 could affect his eligibility to contest the 2027 governorship election.
Shehu Buba Umar, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Comrade Sabo Mohammed, on Friday while reacting to the development, stated that he had fully complied with all applicable provisions of the electoral law and remained steadfast in his ambition to contest the Bauchi State governorship election.
Recall that on Thursday, September 24, 2026, the Supreme Court upheld an appeal filed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concerning provisions of the Electoral Act related to political party membership registers and candidate nominations.
Reacting to what he described as misleading interpretations circulating on social media, Shehu Buba said: ‘My attention has been drawn to misleading publications, particularly on social media, regarding the judgment delivered by the Supreme Court on Thursday, 24 September 2026.’
The PRP governorship candidate explained that the legal position established by the judgment, along with INEC’s authority to issue guidelines for the 2027 electoral process, took effect on September 24, 2026.
However, he emphasised that all key electoral activities completed before the ruling, including the submission of party membership registers, the conduct of primaries and the nomination of candidates, were carried out under the legal and regulatory framework in effect at the time.
He maintained that the judgment must not be applied retroactively to invalidate electoral processes and actions that were lawfully concluded.
According to Shehu Buba, the principle of non-retroactivity is critical when interpreting the effect of the judgment, especially where political parties and candidates have already complied with prescribed requirements in reliance on the prevailing legal framework.
He further noted that while the Supreme Court judgment applies broadly to interpretations of the Electoral Act, its practical application to the current election cycle must take into account activities already completed under the previous rules.
Sen. Shehu Buba, who is currently representing Bauchi South Senatorial District in the Senate, stated that he had satisfied all statutory requirements for his candidacy and saw no basis for claims that the judgment invalidated his governorship bid.
‘Our ambition to clinch the governorship of Bauchi State remains firmly on course. By the special grace of Almighty Allah (SWT), there is no going back,’ he added.
The senator expressed confidence that INEC would issue clear guidelines regarding the Supreme Court judgment’s general application and its implications for political parties and candidates.
He urged his supporters, party members and well-wishers across Bauchi State to remain calm and disregard interpretations intended to create confusion surrounding his candidacy.
Shehu Buba disclosed that he had directed his legal team to thoroughly review the judgment and provide further guidance as the electoral process progresses.
He reaffirmed his commitment to his campaign and continued engagement with stakeholders across Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 elections.
INEC’s official 2027 election schedule confirms that the Commission commenced the electoral process well before the September 2026 ruling, including activities related to party membership registers and candidate primaries.