Nigerian Politician Steps Down Amid Passport Authenticity Concerns

Controversy Surrounds Nigerian Politician Mahmud Sadis Baba

Mahmud Sadis Baba, also known as "Abin Al-Abin Jajau" or "The Wonder of Zaria", has found himself at the centre of a major controversy after allegations emerged that he was only 16 years old. Baba, a member of Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), gained public attention after his candidate screening video for the Sabon Gari Federal Constituency election spread widely on social media.

In the video, Baba claimed he was 30 years old and attributed his childlike appearance to dwarfism. He also revealed that he had completed secondary education and once worked as a driver. His statement, "This is not about me, this is on behalf of the people," quickly went viral and earned praise from many Nigerians online.

However, the praises soon faded after several alleged documents linked to him appeared online. Images of a passport, NIN slip, birth certificate, and school records reportedly suggested that Baba was born in 2010 rather than 1995. If the leaked documents are authentic, Baba would reportedly be only 15 or 16 years old, making him ineligible to contest Nigeria's National Assembly elections, which require candidates to be at least 25.

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The controversy grew further after a man identifying himself as Baba's former teacher claimed that he had taught him in junior secondary school and said the politician was only 16 years old. Initially, the APC defended Baba and described the allegations as political propaganda aimed at damaging his image. But as more evidence surfaced online, the party eventually disqualified him over alleged age falsification.

Baba announced his withdrawal from the election race through a formal letter addressed to the APC chairman. In the letter, he said he decided to step down following reconciliation efforts by party leaders and stakeholders.

The incident has now sparked widespread debate in Nigeria, with many users taking to social media to share their thoughts on the matter. Some users expressed surprise and amusement at the allegations, while others criticized the lack of integrity in Nigerian politics.

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