Senator Shehu Buba, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District, has said he will not be intimidated by what he calls media attacks and a politically motivated trial against him.
Buba, who is the governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party for 2027 in Bauchi State, made this statement in Abuja on Monday. He spoke while receiving aides, party leaders, political associates, and religious leaders from both Muslim and Christian communities who came to show their support.
Since 2024, Buba has faced claims linking him to suspected bandits, which he has denied. The latest issue came up after a video by a content creator known as ‘D English Alhaji’ claimed that suspected bandit leaders had visited Buba's home.
The claims grew stronger after a resident named Hassan accused Buba in an interview with the social media influencer of being one of the politicians allegedly helping bandits in the area. Hassan also claimed that people connected to the notorious bandit leader, Dogo Gide, were brought to Abuja for special training, allegedly arranged by one of Buba's aides.
In a statement on Tuesday, Buba's Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sabo Mohammed, called the allegations and media reports part of a campaign aimed at meeting political goals ahead of the 2027 elections.
Buba thanked the visitors for their support and said he is committed to protecting his reputation and serving the people of Bauchi State. He assured his supporters that he would not be intimidated or silenced as he works with the government to tackle insecurity using both forceful and peaceful means.
He highlighted the need for community involvement, intelligence sharing, dialogue, peacebuilding, and other lawful methods to stop crime. "As a doctoral student of Peace and Conflict Resolution, with a focus on effective non-violent approaches in Nigeria's security system, I believe that crime does not recognize religion, tribe, gender, or social status," he said.
Buba urged Nigerians to come together and support their governments in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other crimes. He warned against making the fight against insecurity a political issue or reducing it to ethnic and religious divisions.
He also stated that he would address the challenges he is facing through legal means rather than engaging in media arguments with his critics. Buba said anyone with real evidence against him should take it to the proper security agencies or courts, rather than spreading lies or trying to ruin his reputation.
"I have taken these challenges in good faith and have brought my complaints to the relevant security agencies and courts for resolution. I will keep challenging anyone with evidence against me to follow the law," he said.
Buba added that political disagreements should not lead to blackmail, falsehoods, or attacks on a person's integrity and reputation.
Speaking for Buba's legislative aides, Hassan Gaji expressed their support, loyalty, and solidarity with the senator during this tough time. Gaji praised Buba for showing patience and not getting into a media fight with his political rivals.
He encouraged Buba to remain focused on his work and continue his programs with the people of Bauchi State. Buba reiterated that his political goal is to provide responsible leadership, enhance security, promote unity, support economic opportunities, and encourage inclusive development across the state.
He also asked his supporters, political allies, and aides to remain calm and avoid making unverified claims or unnecessary media confrontations. Buba urged them to conduct proper checks before responding to allegations, emphasizing that the best way to handle political distractions is by staying committed to public service and lawful democratic actions.
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