By: Joy Musa
A youth-led political advocacy group, the Bauchi State Youth Democratic Assembly, has publicly condemned Senator Shehu Buba, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District, over what they described as a “tokenistic and embarrassing” empowerment initiative for women in the region.
In a widely circulated video, Senator Buba was seen addressing a crowd of women who had gathered at his residence under heavy rainfall. During the event, the senator announced a start-up capital of ₦20,000 for each woman, intended to support small-scale businesses. However, the gesture has sparked outrage among youth leaders and civil society observers.
The Youth Democratic Assembly criticized the initiative as “insulting and inadequate,” arguing that the senator has failed to deliver meaningful capital projects despite receiving billions in constituency allowances since assuming office. “This is not empowerment; it’s a mockery of the economic realities facing women in Bauchi South,” the group stated.
Speaking to journalists in Bauchi, the group’s spokesperson, Hassan Bulus, described Senator Buba as a “political failure” and vowed to mobilize voters to unseat him in the 2027 general elections. “We will not sit back and watch our district be reduced to handouts and photo ops. Our people deserve infrastructure, education, and real economic opportunities,” Hassan said.
The group also drew comparisons between Senator Buba and Engr. Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed, son of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, praising the latter for his grassroots development efforts and youth engagement. “Even without holding an elected office, Engr. Shamsudeen is making more impact than those who sit in the National Assembly,” the statement read.
This latest criticism adds to growing political tension in Bauchi State, where Senator Buba has previously clashed with Governor Bala Mohammed over governance and development priorities.
As the 2027 elections approach, observers say the senator may face mounting pressure from youth-led movements demanding accountability and tangible results.
