The senator representing Bauchi South, Shehu Buba, has challenged those accusing him of having links with bandits to provide credible evidence to support their claims.
Buba, who is also the 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, said the allegations were politically motivated and aimed at damaging his reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.
He urged anyone with evidence against him to submit it to security agencies or the courts instead of using the media to spread what he described as blackmail and false claims.
“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 allegations followed videos shared by a content creator known as D English Alhaji, who claimed that suspected bandit leaders had visited the senator’s residence.
A resident identified as Hassan also accused Buba, during an interview with the influencer, of being among politicians allegedly supporting bandits in the area.
Hassan further alleged that people linked to the notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide were taken to Abuja for specialised training, allegedly with the help of one of the senator’s aides.
In response, Buba said he would not allow the allegations to intimidate or silence him.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sabo Mohammed, the senator described the reports as part of a sponsored campaign designed to achieve political goals ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Monday while receiving supporters, party leaders, political associates and Muslim and Christian religious leaders who visited him to show solidarity, Buba said he remained focused on protecting his reputation and serving the people of Bauchi State.
He said he would continue to support lawful efforts by governments to fight insecurity through both military and non-military approaches.
“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 support governments at all levels in tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other crimes.
He also warned against turning the fight against insecurity into a political, ethnic or religious issue.
Buba said he had chosen to use legal and institutional channels to address the allegations instead of engaging his critics through the media.
He said his political ambition was focused on providing responsible leadership, improving security, promoting unity, creating economic opportunities and supporting inclusive development in Bauchi State.
He also urged his supporters and aides to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified claims and refrain from unnecessary media exchanges.
According to him, the best way to respond to political distractions is to remain focused on public service and lawful democratic engagement.
