Northern youth group decries smear campaign against Senator Buba

The Coalition of Northern Youths Consultative Movement (CNYCM) has decried the smear campaign against Senator Shehu Buba, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

A press release by National Coordinator, Yusuf Musa Audu and National Secretary, Bilal Galadima stated that the “politically motivated calumny” was intended to tarnish Buba’s reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.

The coalition described the circulation of fabricated audio, images, and videos portraying the lawmaker as sympathetic to extremists as “a desperate attempt to misrepresent a patriotic leader.”

“These attacks are orchestrated by faceless syndicates and ethno-religious bigots who are threatened by Senator Buba’s rising influence and his commitment to peace and national development,” the statement reads.

It also criticised the calls for a review of Buba’s leadership of the Senate Committee, labelling such demands as a distraction from the critical task of addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

“The Senate is not an establishment for petitioners with ulterior motives,” the group noted, urging political actors to focus on constructive engagement rather than character assassination.

The coalition highlighted Buba’s involvement in government-backed talks with religious and community leaders, as well as his interventions in Bauchi, such as food distribution, fertiliser provision, and skill acquisition programs.

The CNYCM urged the public to disregard defamatory content and announced its plan to pursue legal action against those responsible for producing and circulating misinformation online.

“Senator Buba’s leadership is a model of evidence-based governance,” the statement added. “We call on all Nigerians to rise above political distractions and work together for a safer and more united nation.”

Buba, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, advocates non-kinetic approaches, including dialogue, reconciliation, and economic development, to complement military operations in combating insecurity.

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