PRP Defends Senator Shehu Buba Banditry Allegations, Calls Claims False

• The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has publicly defended its Bauchi State governorship candidate, Senator Shehu Buba, against allegations linking him to banditry and kidnapping.
• The party asserts these claims are a deliberate campaign of falsehoods designed to damage Buba's political prospects ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
• PRP National Publicity Secretary Muhammed Ishaq cited Section 127(c) of the Electoral Act 2026, which criminalizes publishing false statements intended to prejudice a candidate's election chances.
• Senator Buba, a serving Senator and former Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, has consistently denied similar accusations since 2024.
• The PRP challenged those making the allegations to provide evidence to legal authorities instead of spreading unsubstantiated claims on social media.

The Electoral Act 2026 Section 127(c) serves as a significant deterrent against the spread of unsubstantiated claims during election cycles.

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has come out strongly in support of its Bauchi State governorship candidate, Senator Shehu Buba, vehemently refuting recent allegations that connect him to banditry and kidnapping. The party characterizes these claims as a calculated campaign of falsehoods, specifically designed to undermine his political standing and prospects. According to Muhammed Ishaq, the PRP's National Publicity Secretary, the party initially chose not to address the accusations publicly, viewing them as "mischievous" and not wishing to amplify them.

However, the PRP now believes these persistent allegations constitute a deliberate effort to tarnish Senator Buba's reputation in anticipation of the 2027 governorship election. The party suggests that these claims are orchestrated by individuals threatened by the senator's widespread popularity and his potential to become the next Governor of Bauchi State. This firm stance by the PRP defends Senator Shehu Buba banditry allegations, urging those making the claims to present any evidence of criminal activity to the appropriate authorities rather than disseminating unsubstantiated information on social media platforms.

This development follows Senator Buba's own denial five days prior, where he dismissed viral videos and social media claims as part of a sustained campaign of disinformation and political character assassination Nigeria. The latest controversy stems from videos circulated by a content creator known as "D English Alhaji," which alleged that suspected bandit kingpins had visited the senator's residence. Senator Buba, a serving Senator and former Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, has faced similar allegations of links with suspected bandits since 2024, which he has consistently denied.

The Peoples Redemption Party's statement also highlighted the legal framework governing such political accusations, specifically referencing Section 127(c) of the Electoral Act 2026. This crucial provision of Nigeria election defamation law stipulates that any individual who publishes a false statement concerning a candidate's personal character or conduct, with the intent to prejudice that candidate's chances in an election, commits an offense. The law applies if the statement is indeed false and was published without reasonable grounds for believing it to be true.

The Electoral Act 2026 Section 127(c) serves as a significant deterrent against the spread of unsubstantiated claims during election cycles. It clearly outlines the liabilities for those engaging in such practices, aiming to ensure a fairer political discourse. Upon conviction, an offender faces a maximum fine of ₦200,000, or a prison term of up to six months, or both penalties. This legal recourse underscores the seriousness with which the Nigerian legal system views attempts to unfairly influence election outcomes through character assassination.

The PRP has unequivocally expressed its full confidence in Senator Shehu Buba, describing him as a dedicated serving Senator who has actively engaged in efforts to combat the pervasive issue of criminality across the nation. The party firmly believes that the ongoing Bauchi governorship candidate allegations are a direct consequence of rivals and detractors feeling threatened by Senator Buba's widespread acceptance and popularity among the electorate. They contend that these individuals have resorted to propagating "outrageous and libellous falsehoods" as a tactic.

In its official Peoples Redemption Party statement, the PRP called for an end to what it terms a "campaign of calumny." The party challenged those behind the allegations to instead focus on matching Senator Buba's level of public acceptance. This situation underscores the intense nature of political competition in Nigeria and the potential for smear campaigns to emerge as elections approach. The PRP's insistence that evidence be presented to legal authorities, rather than spread on social media, highlights the party's commitment to due process and accountability in the face of political attacks.

Lawyers advising political parties, candidates, or media organizations in Nigeria must be aware of the liabilities under Electoral Act Section 127(c) for publishing false statements that prejudice a candidate's election chances, as this case highlights the legal recourse and potential offenses related to political defamation during campaigns.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH