The People’s Redemption Party (PRP) has rejected allegations linking its Bauchi State governorship candidate, Senator Shehu Buba, with bandits and kidnappers, describing the claims as a campaign aimed at damaging his reputation ahead of the 2027 election.

The party, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, said it had initially refrained from responding to the allegations to avoid giving them further publicity.

It, however, said it was now convinced that the claims were part of an attempt by political opponents threatened by the senator’s popularity and prospects of winning the governorship election.

“The PRP is now convinced that there is a campaign to damage our candidate with tissues of lies and unrestrained mischief,” the party said.

It challenged anyone with evidence of criminal activity involving the candidate to submit such evidence to the appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.

The party also cited Section 127(c) of the Electoral Act 2026, which provides penalties for publishing false statements about the personal character or conduct of a candidate where such publication is calculated to prejudice the candidate’s electoral chances.

According to the PRP, the provision prescribes a maximum fine of N200,000, imprisonment for six months, or both, upon conviction.

The party said it remained confident in Shehu Buba, describing him as a serving senator and citizen who had stepped up when needed in efforts to address criminality in the country.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the PRP has full confidence in its gubernatorial candidate, a serving Senator and a citizen who stepped up when needed to try and put an end to the scourge of criminality now ravaging the country,” it said.

The party accused the candidate’s rivals and detractors of resorting to what it described as outrageous and libelous falsehood because they felt threatened by his growing popularity.

The PRP urged those behind the allegations to instead focus on matching the candidate’s level of acceptance among voters.

“The Party stands with Senator Shehu Buba, its candidate for governorship of Bauchi State,” it said.