The senator representing Bauchi South and 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP Shehu Buba, has challenged those accusing him of having links with bandits to produce credible evidence to support their claims.
Buba described the allegations as politically motivated attempts to damage his reputation ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that anyone with evidence of his alleged involvement in banditry should present it to security agencies or the courts.
The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence said allegations against him should not be addressed through media reports, blackmail or character assassination.
“For me, I have taken these tribulations in good faith and have subjected my complaints to the relevant security agencies and the courts for appropriate redress. I will continue to challenge anyone who has anything incriminating against me to follow due process of the law,” he said.
“Political disagreements should not become an excuse for blackmail, falsehoods and attempts to damage a person’s integrity, faith, culture and reputation.”
Buba has faced allegations of links to suspected bandits since 2024, claims he has repeatedly denied.
The latest controversy followed the circulation of videos by a content creator identified as ‘D English Alhaji’, who alleged that suspected bandit leaders had visited the senator’s residence.
The allegations were further amplified after a resident identified as Hassan accused Buba, during an interview with the social media influencer, of being among politicians allegedly assisting bandits in the area.
Hassan also alleged that individuals linked to notorious bandit kingpin Dogo Gide were brought to Abuja for specialised training, allegedly with the assistance of an aide to the senator.
Reacting to the allegations, Buba vowed not to be intimidated, harassed or silenced by what he described as a politically motivated media campaign.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sabo Mohammed, the senator described the allegations and accompanying reports as part of a sponsored campaign aimed at advancing political interests ahead of the 2027 elections.
Buba spoke on Monday while receiving aides, coordinators, party leaders, political associates and Muslim and Christian religious leaders who visited him to express solidarity.
He thanked the visitors for their support and confidence, assuring them that he remained committed to protecting his reputation, serving his constituents and supporting legitimate government efforts to tackle insecurity through both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.
The senator stressed the importance of community participation, intelligence gathering, dialogue and peacebuilding in the fight against criminality.
“As a doctoral student of Peace and Conflict Resolution, with a research focus on strengthening and evolving effective non-kinetic approaches within Nigeria’s security architecture, I strongly believe that criminality knows no religion, tribe, gender, colour, race, social status or geographical boundary,” he said.
Buba called on Nigerians to support governments at all levels in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
He also warned against politicising insecurity or reducing security challenges to ethnic and religious sentiments.
The senator said he had chosen to address the allegations through lawful and institutional channels rather than engage in media exchanges with his perceived detractors.
He reaffirmed that his political ambition was focused on providing responsible leadership, strengthening security, promoting unity, creating economic opportunities and advancing inclusive development across Bauchi State.
Buba also urged his supporters, political associates and aides to exercise restraint and avoid making unverified claims or engaging in unnecessary media exchanges.
He advised them to conduct proper due diligence before responding to allegations, saying the best response to political distractions was to remain focused on public service and lawful democratic engagement.
Speaking on behalf of the senator’s legislative aides, Hassan Gaji reaffirmed their support and loyalty to Buba, describing the period as challenging.
Gaji commended the senator for maintaining restraint and refusing to engage in what he described as a media war with his political opponents.
He urged Buba to remain focused on his responsibilities and continue his programmes and engagements with the people of Bauchi State.
