The Senator representing Bauchi South, Shehu Buba, has challenged individuals accusing him of having links with bandits to provide credible evidence to substantiate their claims.
Buba, who is also the 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, described the allegations as politically motivated attempts to damage his reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sabo Mohammed, the senator said he had taken the allegations seriously and referred his complaints to relevant security agencies and the courts for appropriate action.
He urged anyone with incriminating evidence against him to submit it to the appropriate authorities rather than using the media to circulate what he described as falsehoods and blackmail.
Buba has faced allegations of links to suspected bandits since 2024, claims he has consistently denied.
The latest accusations followed videos published by a content creator known as D English Alhaji, in which claims were made that suspected bandit leaders had visited the senator’s residence.
A resident identified as Hassan also alleged during an interview with the influencer that Buba was among politicians supporting banditry in the area.
Hassan further claimed that individuals linked to notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide were taken to Abuja for specialised training with the alleged assistance of one of Buba’s aides.
Reacting to the claims, Buba said he would not be intimidated or silenced by the allegations, which he described as part of a sponsored campaign aimed at achieving political objectives ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Monday while receiving supporters, party leaders and Muslim and Christian religious leaders who visited him in solidarity, Buba said he remained focused on protecting his reputation and serving the people of Bauchi State.
The senator said he would continue to support lawful efforts by governments at all levels to combat insecurity through both military and non-military approaches.
He warned against politicising insecurity or giving the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping ethnic or religious dimensions.
Buba, who identified himself as a doctoral student of Peace and Conflict Resolution, said his research focuses on strengthening non kinetic approaches within Nigeria’s security architecture.
He maintained that criminality should be treated as a national security challenge regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, social status or geographical location.
The senator also urged his supporters and aides to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and refrain from unnecessary media exchanges.
He said his political ambition remained focused on providing responsible leadership, improving security, promoting unity, creating economic opportunities and advancing inclusive development in Bauchi State.