Bauchi Forum Back Senator Buba Amidst Smear Campaigns
A civil society group, the Bauchi Forum of Gentlemen (BAFOG), has strongly condemned what it described as a “spate of campaigns of calumny, sinister attacks, and false narratives” targeting Senator Shehu Buba Umar of Bauchi South Senatorial District.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Bauchi on Friday, the group’s coordinator, Malam Ibrahim Yakubu Muhid, accused unnamed political actors of orchestrating smear campaigns to tarnish the senator’s reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reading from a prepared statement titled “The Rising Profile of Senator Shehu Buba Umar and the Latest Round of Campaign of Calumny Against Him: Setting the Records Straight”, Muhid said the group felt compelled to respond to recent allegations, including a controversial report by Sahara Reporters linking Senator Buba to wanted bandit kingpin Bello Turji and accusing him of demolishing a church in Plateau State to build a mosque.
“These claims are not only baseless and unsubstantiated but also politically motivated,” Muhid stated. “They are designed to mislead the public and sow religious discord.”
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He recalled a previous allegation made by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who had accused Senator Buba of associating with bandits—a claim that was later dismissed by security agencies as unfounded.
BAFOG emphasized Senator Buba’s longstanding commitment to peace and security in Northern Nigeria, citing his role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
“Senator Buba’s record of service, his contributions to national security, and his efforts to foster unity across religious lines are well documented,” Muhid said. “The latest round of attacks is a desperate attempt to undermine his growing popularity.”
The group also dismissed the church demolition allegation as “laughable,” arguing that such an act would be impossible under Plateau State’s land laws and sociocultural context.
In a show of solidarity, BAFOG passed a vote of confidence in Senator Buba, praising his performance and expressing support for his future political aspirations.
“We stand firmly behind Senator Shehu Buba Umar,” Muhid declared. “His dedication to the welfare of the common man and his legislative achievements speak volumes. We see him succeeding in 2027 and beyond.”
The group concluded by urging politicians, media practitioners, and the public to uphold truth and integrity in political discourse.
By PRNigeria
