By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Chapter of the opposition Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has threatened to institute legal action against Bauchi State Government for flaunting the directive it gave against posting of campaign posters, billboards and others across the State.
The PRP made the threat in a statement signed and issued on Saturday, to Journalists by the State Chairman, Abdurrahman Yusuf Muazu.
The PRP expressed deep disappointment and concern over recent developments regarding the abuse of public infrastructures and facilities by the ruling Allied People’s Movement (APM) in the State.
According to the Chairman,
“A glaring example is the defacement of Kofar Gombe gate, along with other key gates such as Kofar Nassarawa and Kofar Ran, by the outgoing Allied Peoples Movement (APM)-led government. Such acts undermine the integrity of public property and political decorum.”
Furthermore, PRP stated that it is alarmed and dismayed by the selective and one-sided enforcement of the so-called ban on the posting of campaign materials on public infrastructures.
According to the party, “While the Bauchi State Government issued an ultimatum last month for all political parties to remove billboards, banners, and posters within a specified timeframe, it has come to our notice that the ruling party, APM, has flagrantly disregarded this directive. They have continued to display their logos, colors, and insignia across numerous public infrastructures throughout the state.”
It stressed that,”This blatant favouritism and inconsistent enforcement undermine the principles of fairness, equity, and the rule of law that should govern Bauchi State. Notably, Sections 92-95 of the Electoral Act strictly prohibit and outlaw such conduct, yet the APM’s displays remain untouched. This selective application of rules creates an uneven playing field, eroding public confidence in the impartiality of government actions.”
The PRP added that, “It raises serious questions about the integrity of the APM-led government. If they cannot be trusted to enforce campaign regulations fairly—such as leveling the playing field for all parties—then how can they be entrusted with conducting free, fair, and credible local government elections?”
According to him, “This concern is particularly pertinent given the successful and transparent conduct of the 2019 governorship election, where the current governor was declared the winner amidst opposition.”
“As PRP prepares to assume leadership in Bauchi State next year, we take these issues seriously. Our support continues to grow rapidly among the electorate, and we will not allow partisan bias to undermine the electoral process,” he added.
The Chairman then said, “Therefore, we call on INEC, pursuant to Section 151 of the Electoral Act, to intervene and ensure measures are taken to restore fairness, equal opportunity, and a level playing field in campaign activities.”
“We also demand that the Bauchi State Government and the APM immediately and completely remove all campaign materials from public infrastructure within three days of this statement. The expenses incurred in this task should be borne solely by the APM from its own resources, not public funds,” he added.
The PRP threatened that,”Failure to comply with the above will compel us to instruct our legal team to initiate appropriate legal actions against the State Government, the ruling APM, and other relevant parties for violations of electoral and constitutional provisions.”
“Additionally, we urge the Police authorities, who have received petitions from our members regarding maltreatment at Kofar Gombe gate, to expedite investigations and ensure culprits, believed to be APM supporters and sponsors, face justice,” he added.
Abdulrahman Mu’azu then called on all authorities concerned to uphold justice, fairness, and transparency in enforcing campaign regulations and in all electoral matters stressing that,
“The people of Bauchi deserve a level playing field, free from partisan bias and selective rule enforcement.”
The PRP concluded, “As a party committed to winning elections and building a better Bauchi State for all its citizens, we are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to advocate for fairness and integrity in our electoral process.”
Leave a Comment