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

The Bauchi State Infrastructure Development and Maintenance Agency (BASIDMA) had last month ordered the removal of all campaign billboards, banners and posters mounted on streetlights, utility poles and major flyovers across the state as part of efforts to restore urban order and improve environmental aesthetics.

The General Manager of BASIDMA, Muhammad Ibrahim, gave political parties and their supporters a one-week ultimatum to remove the materials, warning that enforcement teams would remove any campaign materials that remained after the deadline.

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However, in a statement signed by its state chairman, Abdurrahman Yusuf Muazu, the PRP alleged that the ruling party had ignored the directive.

“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.

“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,” Muazu said.

He alleged that Kofar Gombe Gate, Kofar Nassarawa and Kofar Ran were among public facilities where APM campaign materials had been mounted or pasted.

“This blatant favouritism and inconsistent enforcement undermine the principles of fairness, equity and the rule of law that should govern Bauchi State. Notably, Sections 92-95 of the Electoral Act strictly prohibit such conduct, yet the APM’s displays remain untouched.

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

The PRP chairman questioned the credibility of the electoral process if campaign regulations could not be enforced fairly.

“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 party called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to intervene in line with Section 151 of the Electoral Act to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all political parties.

It demanded the Bauchi State Government and the APM to remove all campaign materials from public infrastructure 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. The expenses incurred in this task should be borne solely by the APM from its own resources, not public funds,” Muazu said.

He warned that failure to comply would leave the party with no option but to seek legal redress.

“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,” he said.

The PRP also called on the police to expedite investigations into petitions submitted by its members over alleged harassment at Kofar Gombe Gate, saying those responsible should be brought to justice.

It urged relevant authorities to uphold justice, fairness and transparency in enforcing campaign regulations and handling electoral matters across the state. (Daily Trust)

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