APC bleeds in Bauchi as Senators, Reps, top chieftains defect to PRP

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State is facing a major internal crisis following its recent primary elections, with several high-profile politicians and their supporters dumping the party over alleged irregularities and lack of internal democracy.

Leading the wave of defections is the Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, who formally resigned from the APC and joined the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

His exit came days after he withdrew from the APC governorship primary election, citing irregularities in the process.

Also joining the PRP is the Senator representing Bauchi North, Senator Samaila Kaila Dahuwa, who resigned from the APC after losing his bid for a return ticket.

In his resignation, Buba attributed his decision to what he described as the absence of internal democracy, lack of fairness, marginalisation of genuine party members, and the growing disregard for the opinions of grassroots supporters within the APC.

He said his decision followed extensive consultations with political associates, women and youth groups, party stakeholders, and supporters across Bauchi State.

According to him, the PRP remains committed to the principles of justice, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and people-oriented leadership.

Buba stated that his move was aimed at strengthening democratic governance, protecting the interests of ordinary citizens, and ensuring effective representation.

“Our people deserve better governance, better opportunities, and leadership that truly listens to their concerns. Politics should be about service, justice, development, and improving the living conditions of the masses,” he said.

He subsequently called on his supporters and political allies to join him in the PRP and continue the struggle for good governance and sustainable development.

The growing discontent within the APC has also claimed other notable figures.

The member representing Jama’are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Rabilu Bala Kashuri, announced his resignation from the party after failing to secure a re-election ticket.

Similarly, the 2023 APC deputy governorship candidate and former House of Representatives member, Hon. Shehu Aliyu Musa, also dumped the ruling party, citing lack of purposeful leadership, unfair treatment of members, and poor cohesion among party leaders.

Former Majority Leader of the Bauchi State House of Assembly and aspirant for the Katagum Federal Constituency seat, Hon. Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu, also resigned from the APC, alleging that the primaries were characterised by predetermined results, vote allocation, and gross violations of party guidelines.

In his resignation letter, Aliyu said the conduct of the primaries undermined the democratic ideals upon which the APC was founded.

Another party stalwart, Hon. Abubakar Dahuwa Abdulkadir, popularly known as Sarkin Yamman Katagum, also announced his departure from the APC, describing the primary process as unfair, discriminatory, and contrary to democratic principles.

He alleged that the party failed to conduct the planned direct primary election for the Azare/Madangala State Assembly constituency.

Also resigning from the party was Hon. Sulaiman Sunusi Lalaye, an aspirant for the Bauchi State House of Assembly, who cited persistent injustice and irregularities within the APC as reasons for his decision.

In a similar move, Hon. Rabi’u Abubakar Bishi tendered his resignation, blaming internal crises and injustice within the party.

Many aggrieved APC members have continued to insist that no genuine direct primaries were conducted in Bauchi State, alleging that candidates were imposed through a process they described as selection rather than election.

The mass defections have further exposed deep cracks within the Bauchi APC and could significantly alter the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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