From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi
The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Bauchi, challenging the eligibility of Tijjani Aliyu Mohammed as the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) for the 2027 election.
In suit number FHC/BAU/CS/70/2026, filed by lead counsel Luka Musa Haruna (SAN), the APM is asking the court to disqualify Tijjani and compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strike his name from the official list of candidates published on October 10, 2026.
Addressing reporters in Bauchi, APM Legal Adviser Barrister Jidauna Tula explained that the suit contends Tijjani’s nomination violates key provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to Tula, the primary grounds for the legal challenge include: absence from Membership Register: Tijjani’s name was allegedly omitted from the register of PRP members submitted to INEC on May 10, 2026, ahead of the party’s primaries on May 25, 2026—a violation of Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act, which mandates register submission at least 21 days prior to primaries.
The APM claims Tijjani remained a registered member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the time the PRP submitted its membership register to the electoral body.
The suit argues that cumulative breaches of Sections 77(4), 77(5), and 77(6) of the Electoral Act render Tijjani’s candidacy null, void, and of no legal effect.
“We are seeking a court interpretation on whether INEC’s publication of Tijjani Aliyu’s name as the running mate under the PRP is lawful, given the clear breaches of the law.
“Under Sections 177(c) and 187(2) of the 1999 Constitution, the same qualifications and disqualifications that apply to a governorship candidate extend to the deputy governor,” Tula stated.
Among the reliefs sought, the APM is asking the court for a mandatory order directing INEC to immediately remove Tijjani Aliyu from the final candidates’ list for the 2027 Bauchi State governorship election.
This suit comes just days after the APM filed a separate legal challenge against the PRP governorship candidate, Senator Shehu Buba Umar.
Legal representatives for Senator Buba have maintained that he met all statutory requirements and is contesting the election lawfully.
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