Senator Shehu Buba, representing Bauchi South, has firmly denied allegations linking him to bandit kingpins, describing viral videos circulating online as fabricated and politically motivated. The senator, who recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) to contest the Bauchi governorship, said the videos were designed to tarnish his reputation and derail his political ambitions.
The controversy erupted after several clips surfaced online, suggesting that bandit leaders had visited Buba’s residence and that he had sponsored some of them for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The videos quickly went viral, sparking outrage and speculation about the senator’s alleged ties to criminal groups. However, Buba dismissed the claims as baseless, insisting that the footage was manipulated to mislead the public.
According to him, the videos combined unrelated clips of Kaduna-based Hajj returnees and individuals displaying passports, falsely presented as evidence of his involvement with bandits. He stressed that the sponsorship of pilgrims was a community-driven initiative, where beneficiaries were recommended by local leaders, not criminal elements. “These are false, malicious claims designed to misinform and damage my image,” Buba declared, adding that the timing of the allegations coincided with his defection to the PRP, which intensified political rivalries in Bauchi State.
In response to the smear campaign, Buba has filed criminal complaints both in Nigeria and Niger Republic against individuals he accuses of defamation, including Hassan Saleh Hussein. He vowed to pursue justice through legal channels, emphasizing that no amount of propaganda would deter him from his political mission. “I will not allow lies and fabrications to define my career. The truth will prevail,” he said.
The senator’s denial comes at a sensitive time, as security remains a pressing issue in Nigeria. Buba previously chaired the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, a role that required discretion in handling sensitive matters. He explained that his initial silence was due to the delicate nature of security operations, but the escalation of false narratives compelled him to speak out. Currently, he chairs the Senate Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry, while also serving as the PRP’s governorship candidate in Bauchi.
Buba urged his supporters to remain calm, disciplined, and focused on the 2027 elections. He warned against being distracted by propaganda, stressing that political scrutiny must be based on verifiable facts rather than manipulated content. “We must not allow disinformation to dictate our future. Our focus should remain on building a better Bauchi,” he said.
The incident highlights the growing influence of social media in Nigerian politics, where viral content can be weaponized to damage reputations and sway public opinion. Analysts note that disinformation campaigns are increasingly common, especially during election seasons, and can have lasting impacts on political careers. For Buba, the challenge will be to convince voters that the allegations are indeed false and to maintain credibility as he pursues the governorship.
As the legal battles unfold in Nigeria and Niger Republic, the case may set precedents for handling defamation across borders. Meanwhile, the controversy underscores the urgent need for fact-checking and responsible media consumption in an era where manipulated videos can spread rapidly and shape public perception.
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