The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has rejected allegations linking its governorship candidate and current Bauchi South senator, Shehu Buba, with banditry and kidnapping in the North.
The PRP, in a statement by its spokesperson, Muhammed Ishaq, on Friday, accused members of the opposition threatened by Mr Buba’s popularity and bright chances at the 2027 election, of the wrong accusation, and urged them to provide the appropriate authorities with evidence to prove their claim.
Mr Ishaq said, “The People’s Redemption Party (PRP) has resisted the temptation to comment on escalating, damaging comments linking our gubernatorial candidate with activities related to bandits and kidnappers.
“The party had resisted the temptation to join issues with those churning out these mischievous allegations out of concern that it would only provide oxygen to the mischief. It was also important to establish the veracity of these allegations against a member of our party who, to the best of our knowledge, deserved the trust and confidence that he will represent the PRP with integrity and high levels of responsibility.
“The PRP is now convinced that there is a campaign to damage our candidate with tissues of lies and unrestrained mischief. We now believe that these allegations are handiwork of those who are threatened by our candidate’s popularity and his prospects for being voted as the next governor of Bauchi State. These lies must stop. Those who have evidence of any criminal activity against him should provide such evidence to the authorities who should treat them as the law provides.”
The party urged political opponents to be aware of Section 127 (c) of the 2026 Electoral Act stating that “anyone who before or during an election publishes any statement as to the personal character or conduct of a candidate calculated to prejudice the chance of election of the candidate or to promote or procure the election of another candidate and such statement is false and was published without reasonable grounds for belief by the person, publishing it that the statement is true, commits, an offence and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of ₦200,000 or imprisonment for a term of six months or both.”
Mr Ishaq stated, “We believe his rivals and detractors feel threatened by the spread and depth of his popularity, and have now resorted to peddling outrageous and libelous falsehood against him. The party stands with Senator Shehu Buba, its candidate for governorship of Bauchi State.Those who feel threatened by his popularity should attempt to match his acceptance levels and stop this campaign of columny against him.”
The party expressed confidence in its governorship candidate and serving lawmaker who it said stepped up when needed to try and end the scourge of criminality ravaging the country.