Nigerian Bar Association urges Bauchi Governorship aspirants to uphold rule of law

By Ahmad Tamadina.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Katagum Branch, has called on governorship aspirants in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 general elections to uphold the rule of law, respect citizens’ rights and promote peaceful campaigns.

The call was contained in a letter signed by the Chairman of the branch, Muhammad Ahmad Rufa’i, and addressed to five governorship aspirants in the state.

The aspirants are Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Dr. Yakubu Adamu of the African Peoples Movement (APM); Malam Usman Adamu Suphi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Ambassador Shu’aibu Ahmad of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP); and Senator Shehu Buba Umar of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

The NBA urged the aspirants and their campaign organisations to comply with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The association also called on the candidates to respect citizens’ rights to freely associate, express their opinions, choose political parties and cast their votes without intimidation, coercion or harassment.

It urged the aspirants to discourage hate speech, vote buying, violence, thuggery and ethnic or religious incitement during the campaign, while encouraging them to focus their messages on policies and programmes that address the needs and aspirations of the people.

The NBA Katagum Branch said it would continue to monitor the electoral process and support voter education and legal observation to promote a credible and peaceful election.

The association urged all the contestants to place the interest and wellbeing of the people of Bauchi State above personal and political ambitions.