PRP Opposes Bauchi Government’s Proposed ₦298bn Loan, Demands Accountability

The Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has opposed the state government’s reported plan to borrow ₦298.15 billion, warning that the proposed loan could worsen the state’s debt burden.

The party urged Governor Bala Mohammed to suspend the planned borrowing and provide a detailed account of how previous loans obtained by the state had been utilised.

The PRP made its position known in a statement signed by its state secretary, Abubakar Sani, and made available to journalists in Bauchi.

The opposition party expressed concern that the proposed borrowing would add to the state’s existing debt, which it put at ₦441.69 billion.

According to the party, the government must demonstrate transparency and accountability in managing public funds, particularly as the state approaches the 2027 governorship election.

The PRP argued that residents deserved clear explanations about previous borrowings before the government committed the state to additional financial obligations.

It called on Governor Mohammed to halt the proposed loan and make public details of the state’s debt profile and the projects executed with borrowed funds.

The party also expressed confidence in its governorship candidate, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, whom it described as capable of managing the state’s resources prudently.

In the statement, the PRP said it was preparing to challenge the ruling party in the 2027 election and provide an alternative administration for the people of Bauchi State.

Beyond the proposed loan, the party accused some traditional rulers in the state of allegedly supporting the ruling Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and restricting the political activities of opposition members, particularly in rural communities.

The PRP, however, commended traditional rulers who it said had maintained neutrality despite alleged pressure to favour the ruling party.

It urged traditional institutions to remain impartial and allow all political parties to carry out lawful activities within their respective communities.

The party warned that using traditional positions to suppress opposition members could undermine public confidence in traditional institutions and create unnecessary tension.

The PRP also criticised reported court cases instituted by the APM against the party and its governorship candidate, saying it had yet to receive formal notice of the latest suit.

It described the reported legal actions as attempts to distract the party from its preparations for the 2027 election.

The party further stated that previous cases involving its candidate at the Bauchi State High Court and the Federal High Court had been dismissed, expressing confidence that the latest case would have a similar outcome.

The PRP reaffirmed its commitment to lawful political activities and called on the state government to prioritise transparency in public spending.

The Bauchi State Government’s substantive response to the party’s allegations concerning the proposed loan was not available in the reports reviewed.

The dispute adds to the political debate ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with public borrowing, debt management and accountability emerging as key issues in the contest.