Wednesday, September 9, 2026 - The senator representing Bauchi South and 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, Shehu Buba, has challenged those accusing him of having links with bandits to produce credible evidence to substantiate the allegations.
Buba, who described the allegations as part of a politically
motivated campaign against him ahead of the 2027 election, said anyone with
evidence of his involvement in banditry should take it to the appropriate
security agencies or the courts rather than relying on media reports.
According to him, anyone with credible evidence against him
should present it to the appropriate security agencies or courts instead of
resorting to blackmail, misinformation, fabricated allegations 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.
“Political disagreements should not become an excuse for
blackmail, falsehoods and attempts to damage a person’s integrity, faith,
culture and reputation,” he stated.
The former chairman of the Senate Committee on National
Security and Intelligence has faced allegations since 2024 of having links with
suspected bandits, claims he has repeatedly denied.
The latest controversy followed the circulation of videos by
a content creator known as ‘D English Alhaji’, who alleged that suspected
bandit kingpins 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 aiding bandits in the area.
Hassan also alleged that individuals linked to the notorious
bandit kingpin, Dogo Gide, were brought to Abuja for specialised training,
allegedly facilitated by an aide to the senator.
Reacting, Buba vowed not to be intimidated, harassed or
silenced by what he described as ongoing media attacks and a politically
motivated trial against him.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on
Media and Communication, Sabo Mohammed, Buba described the allegations and
media reports as part of a sponsored campaign aimed at achieving political
objectives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Monday while receiving aides, coordinators,
party leaders, political associates and religious leaders from Muslim and
Christian denominations who gathered to express solidarity with him, the
senator said he remained committed to protecting his reputation and serving the
interests of his constituents and the people of Bauchi State.
While appreciating the visitors for their concern,
confidence and continued support, he assured them that he would not be
intimidated, harassed or silenced in his determination to support legitimate
government efforts to tackle insecurity through kinetic and non-kinetic
approaches.
Buba stressed the importance of community participation,
intelligence gathering, dialogue, peacebuilding and other lawful measures in
preventing and combating 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.
The senator called on Nigerians to unite behind governments
at all levels in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other
forms of criminality.
He cautioned against politicising the fight against
insecurity or reducing it to ethnic and religious sentiments.
Buba further said he had chosen to address the challenges
confronting him through lawful and institutional channels rather than engaging
in media exchanges with his perceived detractors.
The senator reaffirmed that his political ambition was
centred on providing responsible leadership, strengthening security, promoting
unity, supporting economic opportunities and advancing inclusive development
across the state.
He also appealed to his supporters, political associates and
aides to exercise restraint and avoid making unverified statements or engaging
in unnecessary media exchanges.
Buba urged them to conduct proper due diligence before
responding to allegations, stressing that the best response to political
distractions was continued commitment to public service and lawful democratic
engagement.
Speaking on behalf of the senator’s legislative aides,
Hassan Gaji reaffirmed their support, loyalty and solidarity with Buba,
describing the period as challenging.
Gaji commended the senator for exercising restraint and
refusing to engage in a media war with his perceived political opponents.
He urged Buba to remain focused on his responsibilities and
continue with his programmes and engagements with the people of Bauchi State.
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