As voters head to the polls to elect new representatives for the Disina and Sakwa State Constituencies in Bauchi State, Senator Shehu Buba Umar has appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully.
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate for the 2027 election made the call during campaign activities in Disina, Shira Local Government Area, and Sakwa, Zaki Local Government Area, ahead of Saturday’s bye-elections. INEC scheduled the two state Assembly polls for September 19, 2026.
Shehu Buba urged political actors to avoid inflammatory remarks, intimidation and any action capable of triggering violence during or after the elections.
Rather than allowing political differences to become personal disputes, he encouraged candidates and their supporters to base their campaigns on policies, ideas, leadership and issues affecting residents of the constituencies.
He said political competition should provide voters with meaningful choices instead of creating tension within communities.
“Political competition should be about ideas, policies, leadership qualities and service to the people, not personal attacks or inflammatory rhetoric,” he said.
The senator also expressed concern about the language sometimes used by political leaders, warning that inflammatory comments could influence young people and encourage them to engage in disruptive activities.
He therefore called on politicians to demonstrate restraint and ensure that their supporters do not resort to violence simply because of political disagreements.
During his visit to Disina, Shehu Buba was accompanied by former House of Representatives member Abubakar Kani Faggo and the PRP candidate for Shira State Constituency, Mohammed Samaila Isah.
He also visited traditional leaders in the affected areas and appealed to them to support efforts to ensure peaceful participation in the electoral process.
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The PRP governorship candidate particularly urged community leaders to guide youths against political thuggery, intimidation and other forms of violence.
“Our youths must reject thuggery, violence and intimidation. They should be encouraged to participate in the democratic process peacefully,” he said.
The Bauchi State bye-elections are being held to fill vacancies in the Sakwa State Constituency of Zaki LGA and Disina State Constituency of Shira LGA. The Sakwa seat became vacant following the death of its former occupant, while the Disina seat became vacant after its former lawmaker resigned to pursue another political office.