The People’s Redemption Party (PRP) has called for an end to what it described as a “campaign of lies” against its Bauchi State governorship candidate, Shehu Buba, accusing political opponents of spreading false allegations linking him to banditry and kidnapping.
The party said it initially chose not to respond to the allegations while it worked to establish the facts surrounding the claims. However, it said it could no longer remain silent after becoming convinced that the allegations were part of a deliberate attempt to damage the candidate’s reputation and weaken his chances in the 2027 governorship election.
The position was contained in a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, who explained that the PRP had deliberately held back while investigating the claims.
“The PRP is now convinced that there is a campaign to damage our candidate with tissues of lies and unrestrained mischief,” Ishaq said.
The party challenged anyone with evidence of criminal conduct involving the candidate to submit such evidence to the appropriate authorities instead of making what it described as unsubstantiated allegations against him publicly.
“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,” it said.
The PRP also cited Section 127(c) of the Electoral Act 2026, saying the provision criminalises the publication, before or during an election, of false statements concerning a candidate’s personal character or conduct when such statements are intended to prejudice the candidate’s electoral chances and are published without reasonable grounds for believing them to be true.
According to the party, anyone convicted under the provision could face a maximum fine of N200,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
The party alleged that the accusations were being promoted by individuals who felt threatened by Shehu Buba’s popularity and his chances of becoming the next governor of Bauchi State.
The PRP said it remained fully confident in its candidate, describing him as a serving Senator who had stepped forward to confront the criminality affecting the country.
“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 party said.
The party maintained that the candidate’s rivals and detractors were reacting to his growing acceptance by resorting to what it described as “outrageous and libellous falsehood”.
It urged those who believed they were threatened by Buba’s popularity to compete with him politically instead of attacking his reputation.
“Those who feel threatened by his popularity should attempt to match his acceptance levels and stop this campaign of calumny against him,” the party said.
Source: People’s Redemption Party (PRP)
