The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has rejected allegations linking its Bauchi State governorship candidate, Senator Shehu Buba, to banditry and kidnapping activities.
The party, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, on Saturday, described the allegations as “tissues of lies and unrestrained mischief” aimed at damaging the reputation of its candidate.
The PRP said it had initially refrained from responding to the allegations, saying it did not want to give what it described as “mischief” unnecessary publicity.
It, however, said it was now convinced that there was a deliberate campaign to tarnish the image of the senator because of his popularity and prospects of winning the 2027 Bauchi governorship election.
The PRP is now convinced that there is a campaign to damage our candidate with tissues of lies and unrestrained mischief,” the statement said.
The party challenged anyone with evidence of criminal activities involving the candidate to present such evidence to the relevant authorities for investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
It also cited Section 127(c) of the Electoral Act 2026, which it said criminalises the publication of false statements about a candidate’s character or conduct where such publication is intended to prejudice the candidate’s chances of election.
According to the party, the provision carries a maximum fine of N200,000 or imprisonment for six months, or both, upon conviction.
The PRP said it remained confident in Senator Buba, describing him as a citizen who had “stepped up when needed” in efforts to address criminality affecting the country.
It alleged that the candidate’s political rivals and detractors were behind the accusations because they felt threatened by his growing popularity.
The party urged those opposed to the senator to compete with him politically rather than resort to what it described as a campaign of “calumny” and libelous allegations.
