By Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu (Bauchi State Correspondent)
A Bauchi-based youth group, the Bauchi Youth 19 Group (Yan Shatara), has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to subject aspirants with pending financial allegations to thorough screening ahead of its party primaries.
The group made the appeal during a press briefing in Bauchi, where it also urged the Senate Committee on Public Accounts to invite Bala Wunti over allegations linking him to a reported N210 trillion financial controversy involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
Speaking on behalf of the group, its leader, Comrade Jaafar Saleh, said the demand became necessary in view of growing public concern over accountability and integrity in leadership.
“At a time when Nigerians are demanding transparency, political parties must ensure that only credible individuals emerge as candidates.
Allegations of this magnitude cannot be ignored,” Saleh stated. He called on the Senate panel, chaired by Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, to urgently invite Wunti to clarify the issues, stressing that due process must be followed in addressing the matter.
The group, however, noted that it was not declaring the aspirant guilty, but insisted that failure to act decisively could undermine public confidence in both political institutions and governance.
Saleh outlined key demands, including the immediate invitation of Bala Wunti, a transparent and credible investigation, and the public release of findings to ensure accountability.
The group further urged the APC to strengthen its internal screening mechanisms, warning that public office should not serve as a shield from scrutiny.
“Political parties must demonstrate responsibility by ensuring their candidates are above reproach. Public office is a trust that must be earned through integrity,” he said.
It also called on civil society organisations and the media to sustain pressure on relevant authorities to uphold transparency and good governance.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to engaging stakeholders in the interest of justice and the future of Bauchi State. NNL.