A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled July 7 to hear a legal challenge against the emergence of Donald Duke as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) ahead of the 2027 general election.
The suit was filed by fellow PRP aspirant Yakubu Kingsley, who is asking the court to nullify Duke’s nomination, alleging that the former Cross River State governor failed to meet the party’s eligibility requirements.
During Monday’s proceedings, Kingsley’s lawyer informed the court that an earlier application seeking permission to serve court documents on Duke was no longer necessary because the former governor had already responded by filing a preliminary objection and supporting affidavit. The court subsequently struck out the application after it was withdrawn.
Justice Mohammed Umar also directed that hearing notices be served on the PRP, Donald Duke and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the next hearing date.
In his suit, Kingsley argued that he fulfilled all the requirements for the presidential race, including paying N20 million for the party’s nomination and expression of interest forms, submitting the required endorsements and successfully passing the party’s screening process.
He further alleged that Duke’s name was not included in the PRP membership register submitted to INEC before the party’s primaries, as required by electoral regulations. The claimant also claimed that Duke did not personally attend the party’s screening exercise despite concerns over his qualification.
Kingsley is asking the court to cancel Duke’s nomination, nullify the affected primary election results, declare him the valid PRP presidential candidate and restrain INEC from recognising Duke as the party’s flagbearer pending the outcome of the case.
The court is expected to begin hearing the matter on July 7.
