By Ayomide Otitoju
A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has dismissed a suit challenging the emergence of Dumo Lulu-Briggs as the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) after the plaintiff withdrew the case.
The suit was filed by NDC governorship aspirant Kings Unyeawaji against the party, its chairman, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Lulu-Briggs. He alleged that he was excluded from the party’s governorship primary and sought an order nullifying Lulu-Briggs’ nomination.
Counsel to Lulu-Briggs, Ibim Dokubo, had challenged the court’s jurisdiction and the plaintiff’s legal standing, arguing that Unyeawaji lacked the locus standi to institute the suit because he did not participate in the governorship primary. He also contended that the action was filed outside the statutory 14-day period for disputes arising from party primaries.
When the matter came before Justice Muhammed Turaki, counsel to the plaintiff applied to discontinue the suit. The defendants did not oppose the application, prompting the court to dismiss the case.
Reacting to the ruling, Lulu-Briggs commended the plaintiff for allowing the matter to end amicably and urged political stakeholders to embrace peaceful competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He expressed hope that contestants in the elections would accept the outcome in good faith, stressing that Rivers State would benefit when political actors respect democratic processes and allow the electorate to decide.
Lulu-Briggs also reaffirmed his commitment to his vision for Rivers State, saying that if elected governor, he would focus on liberating the state and driving economic growth.
