Bauchi, Nigeria – The fallout from the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Bauchi State has triggered a wave of high-profile defections, with senators, federal lawmakers, and party chieftains abandoning the ruling party over allegations of irregularities and lack of internal democracy.
Leading the exodus is Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, who announced his resignation from the APC and declared for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). The move came days after he withdrew from the APC governorship primary election, citing what he called “irregularities” in the process.
Joining him is Senator Samaila Kaila Dahuwa of Bauchi North, who also resigned from the APC after losing his return ticket and defected to the PRP.
In a statement explaining his decision, Buba accused the APC of failing to uphold democratic standards within its ranks.
“The absence of internal democracy, lack of fairness, marginalisation of genuine party members, and increasing disregard for the opinions and aspirations of grassroots supporters within the APC” were key reasons for his departure, he said.
Buba said his decision followed “extensive consultations with political associates, youths, women groups, party stakeholders, and supporters across Bauchi South Senatorial District and Bauchi State at large.” He described the PRP as a platform “built on the principles of justice, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and people-oriented leadership,” adding that it aligns with the democratic values in the 1999 Constitution.
“Our people deserve better governance, better opportunities, and leadership that truly listens to their concerns. Politics should be about service to humanity, justice, development, and improving the living conditions of the masses,” he stated.
He urged supporters and political allies to join him in the PRP to continue what he called the “collective struggle” for good governance, social justice, and sustainable development across Bauchi State.
The defections have spread beyond the Senate. Hon. Rabilu Bala Kashuri, the incumbent member representing Jama’are/Itas-Gadau federal constituency, also resigned with immediate effect after failing to secure the party’s reelection ticket. In his resignation letter to the APC Chairman of Kashuri Ward, he cited dissatisfaction with the process.
Similarly, Hon. Shehu Aliyu Musa, the 2023 deputy governorship candidate and former House of Representatives member, left the APC, pointing to “lack of purposeful leadership, unfair treatment of party members and lack of cohesion among leaders of the party.”
Other resignations include former Bauchi House of Assembly Majority Leader Hon. Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu, an aspirant for Katagum Federal Constituency, who alleged the primaries were marred by “predetermined results, vote allocation, and gross violations of party guidelines.”
Hon. Abubakar Dahuwa Abdulkadir, Sarkin Yamman Katagum, also withdrew, describing the primaries as “unfair, discriminatory, and contrary to democratic ethics,” and alleging that the planned direct primary for Azare/Madangala State Assembly constituency never held.
Aspirants Hon. Sulaiman Sunusi Lalaye and Hon. Rabi’u Abubakar Bishi announced their exit as well, both citing persistent irregularities, injustice, and internal crises within the party.
Many aggrieved members maintain that no direct primaries were conducted in Bauchi State, alleging that candidates were handpicked through “selection and imposition.”
The mass defections raise questions about the APC’s cohesion in Bauchi ahead of the next general elections, as the PRP gains prominent figures positioning themselves as alternatives for voters seeking change.
