The Peoples Redemption Party has defended its Bauchi State governorship candidate, Senator Shehu Buba, rejecting allegations linking him to banditry and kidnapping and describing the claims as a politically motivated campaign intended to damage his reputation ahead of the 2027 election.

The party challenged individuals making the allegations to submit evidence of any criminal wrongdoing to the appropriate authorities rather than circulate what it described as unsubstantiated accusations on social media.

In a statement issued on Friday, PRP National Publicity Secretary Muhammed Ishaq said the party had initially avoided responding because it did not want to give further publicity to allegations it considered mischievous.

The PRP said it now believed the continued accusations represented a deliberate attempt to undermine Buba's political prospects.

"The PRP is now convinced that there is a campaign to damage our candidate with tissues of lies and unrestrained mischief," Ishaq said.

He alleged that those behind the accusations were threatened by Buba's popularity and his prospects in the Bauchi governorship election.

"These lies must stop. 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," he added.

PRP WARNS AGAINST FALSE ELECTION CLAIMS

The party also cited provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 relating to false statements about the character or conduct of political candidates.

According to the provision cited by the PRP, publishing a false statement intended to prejudice a candidate's electoral chances without reasonable grounds for believing the information to be true could constitute an offence.

The party said the provision carries a maximum penalty of N200,000, six months imprisonment, or both upon conviction.

The PRP maintained that political opponents should challenge Buba through the electoral process rather than through allegations it described as defamatory.

PARTY DECLARES FULL SUPPORT FOR BUBA

The PRP said it retained full confidence in Buba, a serving senator and its governorship candidate in Bauchi State.

"For the avoidance of doubt, the PRP has full confidence in its gubernatorial candidate," the statement said.

The party accused Buba's political rivals and detractors of resorting to what it called "outrageous and libellous falsehoods" because of his political standing.

"The Party stands with Senator Shehu Buba, its candidate for governorship of Bauchi State," Ishaq said.

The PRP urged those opposed to Buba's candidacy to focus on competing for the support of voters rather than spreading allegations against him.

BUBA DENIES ALLEGATIONS

The party's intervention comes days after Buba personally rejected fresh allegations linking him to banditry.

The senator described videos and claims circulating on social media as part of what he called a sustained campaign of disinformation and character assassination.

Buba, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, has faced allegations concerning alleged links to suspected bandits since 2024. He has repeatedly denied the accusations.

The latest controversy followed the circulation of videos by a content creator known as D English Alhaji, who alleged that suspected bandit leaders had visited Buba's residence.

The claims gained further attention after a resident identified as Hassan alleged during an interview with the social media influencer that Buba was among politicians purportedly assisting bandits in the area.

No evidence establishing Buba's involvement in banditry or kidnapping was presented in the material accompanying the allegations cited in this report.

The PRP has maintained that anyone possessing credible evidence against its candidate should submit it to law enforcement agencies for investigation.