The Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, has rejected allegations linking its Bauchi State governorship candidate, Senator Shehu Buba, with activities involving bandits and kidnappers, describing the claims as a campaign of lies aimed at damaging his political prospects.
The party said it had initially refrained from responding to the allegations because it did not want to give publicity to what it described as “mischievous” claims against the senator.
However, in a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, the PRP said it had become convinced that the allegations were part of a deliberate campaign to tarnish Senator Buba’s reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to the party, the decision to remain silent was also informed by its desire to establish the veracity of the allegations against its candidate before responding publicly.
“The PRP has resisted the temptation to comment on escalating, damaging comments linking our Gubernatorial candidate with activities related to bandits and kidnappers,” the statement said.
“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.”
The party said it had now reached the conclusion that the allegations were false and designed to undermine Senator Buba’s political standing.
“The PRP is now convinced that there is a campaign to damage our candidate with tissues of lies and unrestrained mischief,” it said.
It alleged that the campaign was being driven by individuals who felt threatened by Senator Buba’s popularity and his chances of emerging as the next governor of Bauchi State.
“We now believe these allegations are handiwork of those who are threatened by our candidate’s popularity and his prospects for being voted the next Governor of Bauchi State,” the party said.
The PRP challenged anyone with evidence of criminal conduct against its candidate to submit such evidence to the appropriate authorities rather than making unsubstantiated allegations in public.
“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 said.
The party also cited provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, warning that publishing false statements about a candidate’s character or conduct could attract criminal sanctions where such statements are intended to prejudice the candidate’s electoral chances.
It specifically referenced Section 127(c) of the Act, which, according to the PRP, criminalises the publication of false statements concerning the personal character or conduct of a candidate where the publisher has no reasonable grounds for believing the statement to be true.
The party quoted the provision as stipulating a maximum fine of N200,000, imprisonment for six months, or both upon conviction.
The PRP said the provision was particularly relevant given the approaching electoral contest and what it described as increasingly damaging allegations against its candidate.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the PRP has full confidence in its gubernatorial candidate, a serving Senator and a citizen who stepped up when needed to try and put an end to the scourge of criminality now ravaging the country,” the statement said.
The party maintained that Senator Buba’s record and public profile did not justify the allegations being circulated against him.
It further accused political rivals and detractors of resorting to what it described as “outrageous and libelous falsehood” because of the senator’s growing political influence.
“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 PRP said.
