PRP Threatens Bauchi Govt, APM With Legal Action

The Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has given the state government a three-day ultimatum to remove campaign posters and other materials belonging to the ruling Allied Peoples Movement (APM) from public infrastructure across the state.

The opposition party warned that it would institute legal action against the state government, the APM and other relevant parties should they fail to comply with the demand within the stipulated period.

The PRP issued the ultimatum in a statement signed by its state chairman, Abdurrahman Yusuf Muazu, who accused the government of selectively enforcing an earlier directive prohibiting the display of political campaign materials on public facilities.

Naija News reports that the Bauchi State Infrastructure Development and Maintenance Agency had, last month, ordered political parties and their supporters to remove billboards, banners and posters mounted on streetlights, utility poles, flyovers and other public structures.

The agency said the directive was part of efforts to restore order in urban areas and improve the appearance of public infrastructure across the state.

BASIDMA’s General Manager, Muhammad Ibrahim, had given political parties a one-week deadline to remove the materials, warning that enforcement officials would take down any campaign displays remaining after the expiration of the ultimatum.

The PRP, however, alleged that while opposition parties were expected to comply with the directive, campaign materials belonging to the ruling APM remained displayed in several locations.

“PRP is alarmed and dismayed by the selective and one-sided enforcement of the so-called ban on the posting of campaign materials on public infrastructure,” Muazu said.

He added, “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, colours and insignia across numerous public infrastructures throughout the state.”

The PRP chairman alleged that campaign materials bearing the ruling party’s symbols and colours could still be seen at prominent public facilities, including Kofar Gombe Gate, Kofar Nassarawa and Kofar Ran.

According to him, the continued presence of the materials despite the government’s directive suggested that the regulation was not being applied equally to all political parties.

‘Favouritism Undermines Rule Of Law’

Muazu described the alleged selective enforcement as unfair and capable of weakening public confidence in the government’s neutrality ahead of local government elections in the state.

“This blatant favouritism and inconsistent enforcement undermine the principles of fairness, equity and the rule of law that should govern Bauchi State,” he said.

He further claimed that Sections 92 to 95 of the Electoral Act prohibited the conduct allegedly being displayed by the ruling party.

“Notably, Sections 92-95 of the Electoral Act strictly prohibit such conduct, yet the APM’s displays remain untouched,” he added.

“This selective application of rules creates an uneven playing field, eroding public confidence in the impartiality of government actions.”

The opposition party said political regulations must be enforced uniformly to guarantee equal opportunities for all parties participating in the electoral process.

Muazu also questioned whether the state government could be trusted to conduct credible local government elections if it could not impartially enforce regulations governing campaign materials.

“If they cannot be trusted to enforce campaign regulations fairly, such as levelling the playing field for all parties, then how can they be entrusted with conducting free, fair and credible local government elections?” he asked.

The PRP chairman said the controversy had raised concerns about the neutrality of state institutions and their ability to treat all political parties equally.

He argued that the government must demonstrate fairness in the enforcement of its directives to avoid creating the impression that public institutions were being used to favour the ruling party.

PRP Seeks INEC Intervention

The party called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to intervene in the matter in line with Section 151 of the Electoral Act.

It said the electoral body should take necessary steps to ensure fairness, transparency and equal opportunity for all political parties operating in the state.

The PRP also demanded the immediate removal of all APM campaign materials from public facilities within three days.

“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,” Muazu said.

He insisted that the cost of removing the campaign materials must be borne by the ruling party rather than the state government.

“The expenses incurred in this task should be borne solely by the APM from its own resources, not public funds,” he added.

The PRP warned that it would seek legal redress should the state government and the ruling party fail to comply with its demand.

“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,” Muazu said.

The party maintained that it would explore all lawful avenues available to challenge what it described as discriminatory enforcement of campaign regulations.

It urged the state government to act promptly to avoid further controversy and demonstrate its commitment to fairness and the rule of law.

PRP Demands Probe Of Alleged Harassment

The PRP also called on the police to accelerate investigations into petitions submitted by some of its members over alleged harassment at Kofar Gombe Gate.

The party demanded that those found responsible for the alleged incident be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

It urged the police and other relevant authorities to ensure that political actors and their supporters were protected from intimidation and harassment.

The PRP concluded by calling on government agencies, security authorities and electoral institutions to uphold justice, transparency and fairness in the enforcement of campaign regulations and the management of electoral matters across Bauchi State.