PRP Opposes Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan, Raises Debt Concerns

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Bauchi State has opposed the state government’s reported plan to borrow N298.15 billion, citing concerns over the state’s existing debt of N441.69 billion.

The party urged Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to suspend the proposed borrowing and explain how previous loans had been utilised.

In a statement signed by its State Secretary, Abubakar Sani, and made available to journalists on Wednesday, the party called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public finances.

The PRP argued that residents deserved a detailed account of previous borrowings before the government incurred additional debt.

“With only a few months remaining before the election, in which the ruling party will be squarely defeated by the PRP, we strongly call on Governor Bala Muhammad to stop this borrowing and provide full transparency and accountability regarding the state’s debt and the use of borrowed funds,” the statement said.

The party also alleged that some traditional rulers were interfering in political activities and harassing opposition members, particularly in rural communities.

It commended traditional rulers it said had maintained political neutrality despite alleged pressure to support the ruling party.

The PRP urged traditional rulers to treat residents equally, irrespective of political affiliation, warning that using traditional institutions to suppress opposition activities could undermine public confidence and create tension.

The party expressed confidence in its governorship candidate, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, describing him as capable of managing the state’s resources prudently ahead of the 2027 election.

It also said it had received reports that the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Bauchi State had instituted court cases against the PRP and its candidate, although it had not received formal notice.

The party described the reported legal actions as attempts to distract the opposition and residents seeking a change in leadership.

It said previous cases involving its candidate at the Bauchi State High Court and Federal High Court had been dismissed and expressed confidence that the latest case would produce a similar outcome.

The PRP maintained that it would continue its lawful political activities and campaign for what it described as an alternative government for the state.

When contacted for the government’s response, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Usman Shehu Usman, said he was away on an official assignment in Bogoro Local Government Area.

He assured the correspondent that he would respond to the allegations upon his return.

The allegations concerning the proposed loan, traditional rulers and court cases were presented as claims by the opposition party. The government’s substantive response was not available at the time of filing this report.