Senator Shehu Buba, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District, has rejected allegations linking him to banditry, saying the claims are politically motivated and aimed at damaging his reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Buba, who is also the 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party in Bauchi State, spoke in Abuja on Monday when his aides, coordinators, party leaders, political associates and religious leaders visited him to show their support.
The senator, a former chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, has faced allegations of having links with suspected bandits since 2024. He has repeatedly denied any connection with criminal groups.
The latest controversy began after videos circulated online from a content creator known as D English Alhaji. The videos contained allegations that suspected bandit leaders had visited Buba’s residence.
The matter attracted further attention after a resident identified as Hassan accused the senator during an interview with the social media personality of being among politicians allegedly supporting bandit activities in the area.
Hassan also claimed that people associated with the wanted bandit leader, Dogo Gide, were brought to Abuja for specialised training through the alleged assistance of one of Buba’s aides.
Buba, through his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sabo Mohammed, dismissed the allegations and media reports, describing them as part of a sponsored effort to achieve political goals ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The senator thanked the people who visited him for their support and confidence. He said he remained committed to protecting his name while continuing to represent his constituents and contribute to the development of Bauchi State.
Buba also said he would continue supporting lawful efforts by governments and security agencies to address insecurity through both military operations and non-military measures.
He called for greater involvement of communities in the fight against criminality, saying local intelligence, dialogue, peacebuilding and other legal methods could help prevent and tackle insecurity.
The senator said his academic work in Peace and Conflict Resolution had also shaped his views on the need for non-military approaches to security challenges. He maintained that criminal activities should not be viewed through religious, ethnic, gender or geographical divisions.
Buba urged Nigerians to support governments at all levels in their efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other crimes.
He warned against turning the security situation into a political or ethnic dispute, saying the fight against criminality should be treated as a common national responsibility.
The Bauchi senator also said he had chosen to deal with the allegations through legal and institutional channels instead of engaging his critics in public exchanges through the media.
He called on anyone who had genuine evidence against him to submit it to the relevant security agencies or courts. He said allegations should not be used as a tool for blackmail, spreading false information or destroying a person’s character.
Buba said he had already taken his complaints to the appropriate security agencies and courts and would continue to seek redress through due process.
Speaking on behalf of the senator’s legislative aides, Hassan Gaji expressed their continued support and loyalty to Buba during what he described as a difficult period.
Gaji also commended the senator for remaining calm and avoiding a public media battle with those he believes are behind the allegations.
He urged Buba to remain focused on his duties and continue engaging with residents of Bauchi State through his political and development programmes.
Buba restated that his ambition to become governor of Bauchi State was based on plans to provide responsible leadership, improve security, promote unity, create more economic opportunities and support development that benefits people across the state.
He also appealed to his supporters, aides and political associates to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information or responding unnecessarily to allegations in the media.
The senator advised his supporters to properly verify claims before reacting to them, saying continued public service and respect for democratic and legal processes remained the best way to deal with political distractions.