2027: Senator Buba Gains Bauchi Political Heavyweights Despite Banditry Claims
The governorship ambition of Senator Shehu Buba Umar has received a major political boost in Bauchi State as prominent politicians and thousands of their supporters defected to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), declaring support for his 2027 bid despite recent social media controversy over alleged links to banditry.
The politicians, drawn largely from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political platforms, formally joined the PRP at a gathering held at Games Village, Bauchi, on Sunday, where they endorsed Buba as their preferred candidate for the governorship.
Their declaration comes amid sustained allegations circulating on social media linking the Bauchi South senator to banditry and other criminal activities—claims Buba has repeatedly denied and voluntarily asked security agencies to investigate.
In a statement by Comrade Sabo Mohammed, Special Adviser on Media and Communication to Senator Buba, the campaign said the latest defections demonstrated that the controversy had not diminished political support for the senator across the state.
Among those who joined the PRP was Alhaji Shehu Barau Ningi, a former state chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), PRP and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). He also previously served as NNPP National Treasurer and Commissioner for Budget and Planning under former Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN.
Other defectors included former Ningi Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Danlami Garba Barau Ningi; former Dass Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Danlami Mai-Goro Dass; former NNPP State Secretary and Chairman, Alhaji Tijjani Aminu Bakin Kura; and former ANPP Bauchi Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Fulani Muhammad Bread.
Also joining the party were former Bauchi State House of Assembly member, Alhaji Mustapha Sallah Zalanga; Chairman of the Kwankwasiyya Movement in Bauchi State, Alhaji Nazid Malam Kasuwa; former APC State Ex-Officio member, Alhaji Bayye Jama’are; former APC State Women Leaders, Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi Angas and Hajiya Sa’adatu Mamuda Liman Katagum; and Hajiya Hadiza Dynamic.
According to the statement, the political leaders moved to the PRP alongside thousands of supporters.
The defectors attributed their decision to what they described as Buba’s accessibility, leadership qualities and commitment to the people, while expressing dissatisfaction with the internal political situation in the APC.
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They alleged that the APC had imposed an unpopular candidate on members, worsening divisions within the party. The defectors said they considered the PRP a more credible platform for political participation and effective representation in Bauchi State.
The gathering attracted senior PRP figures and candidates, including Senator Samaila Kaila, representing Bauchi North; PRP senatorial candidates for Bauchi South and Bauchi Central, Hon. Shehu Aliyu Musa Barden Gabas and Salisu Zakari Ningi Kauran Ningi, respectively.
Others included House of Representatives and State House of Assembly candidates, Hon. Ibrahim Makama Misau, coordinators of the Shehu Buba Umar campaign organisation from local government areas and Bauchi State PRP Chairman, Alhaji Abdulrahman Yusuf Mu’azu, Sardaunan Boto.
Welcoming the defectors, Buba described their decision as a demonstration of growing confidence in the PRP and its campaign for a change of political direction in the state.
He said the calibre and number of politicians joining the party showed that the PRP was expanding its support base ahead of the 2027 elections.
The senator also criticised the Bauchi State Government’s handling of workers’ welfare, particularly outstanding gratuities, pensions and other entitlements.
He questioned the government’s spending priorities, alleging that significant public resources were being devoted to painting and beautifying public spaces with political messages instead of addressing socioeconomic challenges facing residents.
The state government had not responded to the allegations contained in the campaign statement at the time of this report.
Buba pledged that his campaign would prioritise good governance, accountability, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment, economic opportunities, infrastructure and development across the state’s 20 local government areas.
He urged PRP members and supporters to remain united as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The gathering comes against the backdrop of recent social media allegations linking Buba to banditry, terrorism financing and other violent crimes. The senator has categorically rejected the accusations and taken the unusual step of voluntarily submitting himself to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation.
Through his legal team, Buba has also challenged anyone possessing credible evidence of criminal wrongdoing against him to submit it to the appropriate security agencies, maintaining that the allegations should be resolved through formal investigation rather than social media exchanges.
The latest defections therefore represent a significant show of political support for the senator as he attempts to move his governorship campaign beyond the controversy and consolidate the PRP’s presence across Bauchi State ahead of 2027.
By PRNigeria
