Mahmud Sadis Buba Withdraws Amid Age Scandal

By Echos News Editorial Team
Published: June 1, 2026

Kaduna, Nigeria — A teenager who posed as a parliamentary aspirant has been forced out of Nigeria’s 2027 elections after documents revealed he was only 15 years old. Mahmud Sadis Buba, who introduced himself as a 30-year-old man with dwarfism, withdrew under pressure after the All Progressives Congress (APC) disqualified him.

The Claim and the Leak

Buba told party officials he was born in 1995, making him eligible to contest for the House of Representatives. He explained his youthful appearance as a result of dwarfism, insisting he was old enough to serve. His screening video quickly spread online, with many Nigerians questioning his age.

Days later, leaked documents painted a different picture. A passport, birth certificate, and school records showed he was born in August 2010. That made him only 15 or 16 years old, still in secondary school. A relative reportedly released his passport publicly, while a former teacher confirmed he was still attending classes.

The revelation contradicted his claim and sparked outrage. Under Nigerian law, candidates for the National Assembly must be at least 30 years old. His attempt to pass as an adult collapsed once the evidence surfaced.

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Party Response

The APC initially brushed off the allegations, but the scandal grew too large to ignore. The party later disqualified him, saying the documents left no doubt. In a letter to the chairman, Buba announced his withdrawal “in the interest of the APC.” He also posted on Facebook confirming he was stepping aside.

Party insiders admitted the case embarrassed them. Critics asked how falsified documents passed screening in the first place. No clear answer has been given.

Public Reaction

The story dominated social media. Nigerians shared memes, blunt jokes, and disbelief. Some had initially praised him as inspirational, but the mood shifted sharply once the documents appeared. Many described the deception as a breach of trust and a failure of the APC’s vetting process.

On TikTok and X, clips of his screening drew millions of views. “This is not politics, this is comedy,” one user wrote. Others demanded accountability from the party, saying the scandal showed how weak Nigeria’s political checks remain.

Background and Context

Buba comes from Sabon Gari in Zaria, Kaduna State. Before politics, he reportedly worked as a driver and later became involved in grassroots mobilisation. Supporters nicknamed him “Abin Al’ajabi” and “The Wonder of Zaria,” fascinated by his confidence despite his youthful looks.

His case has drawn global attention, with international outlets reporting on the bizarre scandal. The controversy has also reignited debate around Nigeria’s “Not Too Young To Run” movement, which encourages youth participation but still requires strict age limits.

Observers say the scandal highlights vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s candidate screening system. If a teenager could slip through, critics argue, what other lapses might exist?

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Legal and Political Fallout

Authorities have not confirmed whether Buba will face legal consequences for misrepresentation. For now, the APC is attempting to move past the embarrassment. The party has promised to review its vetting process, though no timeline was given.

For Buba, the fallout has been swift. His credibility is damaged, and his political future uncertain. He has not admitted to falsifying his age directly, but his withdrawal speaks volumes. Whether he faces further investigation remains unclear.

Next Steps

Nigerians continue to debate the case online. Some see it as a cautionary tale about transparency in politics. Others dismiss it as a distraction from more pressing issues. Either way, the scandal has left a mark on the APC and Nigeria’s political scene.

With elections approaching, the party will be under pressure to prove its screening process can withstand scrutiny. For now, the teenager who tried to pass as a 30-year-old lawmaker has become a symbol of how fragile trust in politics can be.

Source: NDTV by Srishti Singh Sisodia

© 2026 Echos News ZA. All rights reserved.

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