PRP Accuses Bauchi Govt, APM Of Selective Ban On Campaign Posters

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Bauchi State has accused the ruling Allied Peoples Movement (APM)-led administration of abusing public infrastructure and selectively enforcing regulations on campaign materials across the state.

The party alleged that public facilities, including the historic Kofar Gombe Gate, Kofar Nassarawa and Kofar Ran, had been defaced with the ruling party’s colours, logos and insignia, describing the action as an abuse of public property and a violation of political decorum.

In a statement on Saturday by the PRP state chairman, Abdurrahman Yusuf Mu’azu, the party expressed disappointment over what it described as the government’s one-sided implementation of its directive banning the display of campaign materials on public infrastructure.

The PRP recalled that the Bauchi state government had last month directed all political parties to remove billboards, banners and posters from public facilities within a specified period.

According to the party, the APM has allegedly ignored the directive by continuing to display its campaign symbols on public structures across the state.

“It has come to our notice that the ruling party has flagrantly disregarded this directive by continuing to display its logos, colours and insignia on numerous public infrastructures throughout the state,” the statement said.

The PRP argued that the alleged selective enforcement violates the principles of fairness, equity and the rule of law, noting that Sections 92 – 95 of the Electoral Act prohibit the use of public infrastructure for campaign purposes.

The party further alleged that the situation casts doubt on the credibility of the APM-led administration in conducting free, fair and transparent local government elections.

“It raises serious questions about the integrity of the government. If it cannot enforce campaign regulations fairly and create a level playing field for all political parties, then its commitment to credible elections becomes questionable,” Mu’azu stated.

The PRP also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), citing Section 151 of the Electoral Act, to intervene and ensure equal treatment of all political parties during campaign activities.

The party demanded that the Bauchi State Government and the ruling APM remove all campaign materials from public infrastructure within three days, insisting that the cost of the exercise should be borne entirely by the ruling party rather than public funds.

It warned that failure to comply would leave it with no option but to instruct its legal team to institute legal proceedings against the state government, the APM and other relevant authorities over alleged violations of electoral and constitutional provisions.

The PRP also urged the Nigeria Police to expedite investigations into petitions submitted by its members over alleged harassment at Kofar Gombe Gate, calling for anyone found culpable, including those allegedly linked to the ruling party, to be brought to justice.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring fairness, transparency and integrity in the electoral process, saying it would continue to monitor developments while advocating equal opportunities for all political parties ahead of future elections.