ABUJA — A senior legislative aide to Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, has resigned from his position, citing a breakdown in mutual respect, communication and trust.
Hon. Abba Aliyu Tilde announced his immediate resignation in a letter dated September 6, 2026. The development comes as the senator continues to face renewed allegations linking him to banditry and terrorism — claims he has repeatedly and strongly denied.
In his resignation letter, Tilde made clear that his decision was not connected to the ongoing controversy surrounding the senator. He did not level any criminal accusations against Buba or reference the banditry claims as a factor in his exit.
Instead, Tilde pointed to what he described as a deterioration in their working relationship. He specifically highlighted a recent visit by Senator Buba to his ward, during which the lawmaker met with residents without prior notification to him.
“Given my position and my connection to the people of the ward, I found this deeply disrespectful and hurtful. I believe that, at the very least, I deserved to be informed and carried along,” Tilde wrote.
He added that the incident was not isolated, stating that other experiences had left him feeling that his contributions were no longer valued. “I cannot continue in a position where I feel that there is little regard for my contributions or for the relationship between us,” he said.
Tilde emphasised that effective working relationships in politics and public service should be built on “mutual respect, communication, trust, and recognition of one another’s roles.” He stated that these principles no longer existed in his relationship with the senator and described resignation as “the most honourable decision” available to him.
The former aide said he was leaving with a clear conscience after giving his best in the role. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and wished Senator Buba success in his future endeavours.
The resignation coincides with fresh social media claims and viral videos alleging that suspected bandit kingpins visited Buba’s residence and that individuals linked to notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide received specialised training facilitated by one of the senator’s aides. Similar allegations first surfaced in 2024, including claims that Buba sponsored a suspected bandit for the Hajj pilgrimage through an aide.
Senator Buba, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry and is the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate in Bauchi State, has dismissed the accusations as fabricated, malicious and part of a coordinated political smear campaign. He has described the circulating videos as manipulated combinations of unrelated footage and stated that he has taken legal action, including filing a criminal complaint in Niger Republic against one of the individuals behind the claims.
Buba has invited security agencies to investigate the allegations and maintains that he has never been invited, interrogated or indicted by any security agency in connection with banditry or related activities.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from Senator Buba’s office regarding Tilde’s resignation.
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