APC Faces Defection Crisis in Bauchi After Controversial Primaries

Several members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State have resigned from the party following disagreements over the outcome of the party’s 2026 primaries.

Among those who dumped the APC are senators, House of Representatives members, former candidates, and party stakeholders who accused the party leadership of injustice, irregularities, and lack of internal democracy during the primaries.

Leading the wave of defections is the Senator representing Bauchi South, Shehu Buba Umar, who announced his resignation from the APC and joined the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

Buba Umar withdrew from the APC governorship primary, alleging that the process was manipulated and failed to reflect the wishes of party members. He accused the party of sidelining loyal members and ignoring grassroots voices.

According to him, his decision followed consultations with political associates, youth groups, women organisations, and other stakeholders across Bauchi State.

He described the PRP as a platform built on justice, accountability, and transparency, adding that his political move was aimed at promoting better governance and improving the welfare of citizens.

“Our people deserve better governance, better opportunities, and leadership that truly listens,” he stated while urging supporters to join him in the PRP.

Also resigning from the APC is the Senator representing Bauchi North, Samaila Kaila Dahuwa, who left the party after reportedly losing his return ticket. He cited unfair treatment and absence of internal democracy as reasons for his exit.

The defections further spread to the National Assembly, as the lawmaker representing Jama’are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency, Rabilu Bala Kashuri, also resigned from the APC after failing to secure reelection.

Former deputy governorship candidate and ex-lawmaker, Shehu Aliyu Musa, equally dumped the ruling party, blaming poor leadership, injustice, and disunity among APC stakeholders in Bauchi State.

Another prominent figure, former Bauchi State House of Assembly Majority Leader, Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu, described the APC primaries as predetermined.

He alleged that votes were allocated and party guidelines ignored, insisting that the exercise was more of a “selection process” than a democratic election.

Traditional titleholder and politician, Abubakar Dahuwa Abdulkadir, also resigned from the party, accusing the APC of conducting unfair and discriminatory primaries.

Similarly, aspirant Sulaiman Sunusi Lalaye said he could no longer remain in what he described as a compromised political structure plagued by injustice and irregularities.

Another party member, Rabi’u Abubakar Bishi, announced his exit from the APC over internal crises and alleged unfair treatment of members.

The growing number of defections has heightened political tension in Bauchi State, with many aggrieved members accusing the APC of imposing candidates instead of allowing transparent and democratic primaries.

Political observers believe the development could significantly affect the political strength of the APC in Bauchi State ahead of the next general elections.