Abuja Court to Decide Duke's PRP Presidential Ticket July 7

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed July 7 to decide whether former Cross River Governor Donald Duke will remain on the ballot as presidential candidate of the People's Redemption Party. The decision will be made after a court suit was filed to nullify Duke's nomination. Dr. Yakubu Kingsley, an aggrieved PRP presidential aspirant, filed the action on June 10, naming the PRP as first defendant, Duke as second, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the third.

The court suit was filed following allegations of eligibility breaches and electoral irregularities in the May 25 PRP presidential primary. Kingsley claimed full compliance with all nomination requirements, including payment of N20 million for expression of interest and nomination forms, securing necessary endorsements, and passing the party's screening exercise.

However, the plaintiff alleged that Duke's name was absent from the party's membership register submitted to INEC on May 4, 2026, and that he did not physically attend the screening held at the national secretariat between May 15 and 19, 2026. These allegations, according to Kingsley, rendered Duke's nomination invalid. The plaintiff is praying the court for several reliefs, including nullification of Duke's nomination, setting aside results from the affected states, a declaration that he is the lawful PRP flagbearer, and an order restraining INEC from recognising Duke as candidate.

The court's decision will have significant implications for the PRP and the 2026 presidential election. If Duke is disqualified, the PRP will need to nominate a new candidate, which could potentially alter the course of the election. The court's ruling will be a major test of the Nigerian judiciary's commitment to upholding the rule of law and electoral integrity.

The case will be heard on July 7, and a ruling is expected soon after. The outcome will be closely watched by Nigerians and the international community, who are keenly interested in the country's electoral process. The Nigerian judiciary has a reputation for being independent and impartial, and the court's decision is expected to be in line with this tradition.

Key Facts:*

  • The court suit was filed on June 10, 2026.
  • The PRP presidential primary was held on May 25, 2026.
  • Duke's name was absent from the party's membership register submitted to INEC on May 4, 2026.
  • The plaintiff alleged that Duke did not physically attend the screening held at the national secretariat between May 15 and 19, 2026.
  • The court will decide whether Duke remains on the ballot as presidential candidate of the PRP.