Court Clears Way for Dumo Lulu-Briggs as Rivers Governorship Bid Survives Legal Challenge
The legal challenge against the emergence of Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs as the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 Rivers State election has come to an end following the dismissal of the suit by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.
The case, instituted by NDC governorship aspirant Kings Unyeawaji, questioned the validity of Lulu-Briggs’ nomination, alleging that the plaintiff was excluded from the party’s governorship primary. The suit listed the Nigeria Democratic Congress, its National Chairman, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs as defendants.
At the resumed hearing before Justice Muhammed Turaki, counsel to the plaintiff informed the court that his client had decided to discontinue the matter. Since none of the defendants opposed the application, the court dismissed the suit, bringing the litigation to a close.
Prior to the withdrawal, counsel representing Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs had challenged the competence of the action, contending that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit. The defence further argued that the plaintiff neither participated in the governorship primary nor commenced the action within the time prescribed by law for disputes arising from party primaries.
Speaking after the court proceedings, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs described the outcome as a victory for democracy and applauded the plaintiff for choosing to end the legal contest peacefully. He urged political stakeholders in Rivers State to prioritize civility and healthy democratic competition as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
“We are all Rivers people. There are no monsters among us. Let us go to the field, contest on a level playing ground, and allow the people to decide,” he said.
Lulu-Briggs reaffirmed his commitment to offering purposeful leadership focused on economic revitalization, good governance, and sustainable development if entrusted with the mandate to govern Rivers State.
Political observers believe the court’s decision has effectively settled all legal questions surrounding the NDC governorship ticket, allowing the party to concentrate on its electoral strategy. With the litigation now resolved, the party is expected to intensify consultations, grassroots engagement, and statewide mobilization as it positions Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs as its standard-bearer for the 2027 governorship election.
