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The Bauchi State Chapter of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) has threatened to take the state government and the ruling APM to court over what it described as “double standards in the enforcement of campaign materials”.
The party, in a statement by the State Chair, Abdurrahman Yusuf Muazu, was “surprised and disappointed by the selective and unilateral enforcement of the so-called ban on the installation of campaign materials on public infrastructure”.
They lamented, that “although the Bauchi State Government last month issued an ultimatum to all political parties to remove billboards, banners and posters within the stipulated time frame, we learned that the ruling party, APM, has blatantly ignored this directive”.
The statement read, “The People’s Redemption Party (PRP) Bauchi State Chapter has expressed deep disappointment and concern over recent developments regarding the misuse of public infrastructure and facilities by the ruling APM in Bauchi State.
“A striking example is the destruction of the Kofar Gombe gate, as well as other important gates such as Kofar Nassarawa and Kofar Ran, by the government led by the Allied People’s Movement (APM). Such actions undermine the integrity of public property and political decorum.
“….They continue to display their logo, colors and emblems on various public infrastructure throughout the state.
“This blatant favoritism and inconsistent enforcement of the law undermines the principles of justice, equality and the supremacy of law that should govern Bauchi State. In particular, Sections 92-95 of the Elections Act categorically prohibit and prohibit such actions, yet the actions of the APM remain untouched. The selective application of these rules creates an unbalanced competition, eroding public confidence in the impartiality of government actions.
“This 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 trusted to organize free, fair, and credible regional elections? These concerns are especially relevant given the success and transparency of the 2019 gubernatorial election, in which the current governor was declared the winner amidst the opposition.
“As the PRP prepares to assume leadership in Bauchi State next year, we are taking this issue seriously. Our support continues to grow rapidly among the electorate, and we will not allow partisan bias to undermine the electoral process.
“We, therefore, call on INEC, in accordance with Section 151 of the Elections Act, to intervene and ensure that steps are taken to restore fairness, equality of opportunity and equality in campaign activities.
“We also demand that the Bauchi State Government and APM immediately and completely remove all campaign materials from public infrastructure within three (3) days of this statement. The costs incurred in this task shall be borne entirely by APM from its own resources, not public funds.
“Failure to comply with the above will compel us to instruct our legal team to initiate appropriate legal action against the State Government, the ruling APM and other concerned parties for violation of electoral and constitutional provisions.
“In addition, we urge the Police, who have received a petition from our members regarding the abuse at Kofar Gombe gate, to expedite investigations and ensure that the perpetrators, who are believed to be APM supporters and sponsors, are brought to justice.
“We call on all authorities to uphold fairness, justice and transparency in enforcing campaign regulations and in all election matters. The people of Bauchi deserve equality, free from partisan bias and selective enforcement of rules.
“As a party committed to winning elections and building a better Bauchi State for all its citizens, we are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to advocate for fairness and integrity in our electoral process.”
