Hon. Abba Aliyu Tilde, the 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 in his working relationship with the lawmaker.
Tilde announced his resignation in a letter dated September 6, 2026, stating that his decision took immediate effect.
The resignation comes at a time when Senator Shehu Buba has been facing renewed allegations on social media linking him to banditry and terrorism. The senator has consistently denied the allegations, describing them as false, politically motivated and part of an orchestrated campaign aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
The latest controversy followed the circulation of videos and claims online alleging that suspected bandit kingpins had visited the senator’s residence.
Senator Buba has rejected the claims and reportedly described the materials in circulation as manipulated. He has also said he has taken legal action against individuals allegedly responsible for spreading what he considers a smear campaign.
Aide does not link resignation to allegations
Despite the timing of his resignation, Tilde did not accuse Senator Buba of involvement in the allegations and did not state that the controversy surrounding the senator influenced his decision to leave office.
Instead, the former aide focused his resignation letter on what he described as a deteriorating professional relationship with the senator.
Tilde particularly referenced a recent visit by Senator Buba to his ward, where the senator reportedly held a meeting with residents without informing him beforehand.
According to the former aide, the development was particularly troubling because of his position and relationship with people in the ward.
“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,” he wrote.
Tilde explained that the incident was not an isolated occurrence but one of several experiences that had gradually affected his relationship with the senator.
He said the circumstances had made it increasingly difficult for him to continue carrying out his responsibilities effectively.
“I cannot continue in a position where I feel that there is little regard for my contributions or for the relationship between us,” Tilde stated.
‘Mutual respect and trust are important’
The former legislative aide stressed that political and public service relationships require clear communication and mutual understanding between the individuals involved.
He said such relationships should be built around mutual respect, trust, communication and recognition of each person’s responsibilities.
“I believe any working relationship, particularly one involving political and public service, should be founded on mutual respect, communication, trust, and recognition of one another’s roles,” Tilde stated.
He added that he no longer believed those principles existed in his working relationship with Senator Buba.
“Unfortunately, I no longer feel that these principles exist in our working relationship,” he added.
Tilde says resignation was the ‘honourable decision’
Tilde described his decision to resign as the most honourable option available to him after considering the circumstances surrounding his continued service.
He maintained that he was leaving the position with a clear conscience, having done his best in the discharge of his official responsibilities.
The former aide also expressed appreciation for the opportunity he was given to serve as Senior Legislative Aide to the Bauchi South senator.
While announcing his departure, Tilde wished Senator Shehu Buba success in his future endeavours.
His resignation has now brought an end to his tenure as a senior member of the senator’s legislative support team, although the letter, as presented, does not indicate any accusation of wrongdoing against the lawmaker or establish a connection between the resignation and the allegations currently circulating on social media.
The development is expected to generate further interest given the timing of the resignation and the ongoing controversy surrounding claims made against the senator. However, Tilde’s stated reasons for leaving remain centred on his professional relationship with Senator Buba and his concerns about communication, respect and trust.
