Primaries: Gale of resignations hits Bauchi APC over alleged imposition

By Christopher Ameh

Bauchi-A wave of resignations and growing discontent has hit the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bauchi State, following the party’s primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Many aggrieved members alleged that no direct primaries were conducted in the state, insisting that candidates were merely handpicked through what they described as “selection and imposition”, rather than a democratic process.
The crisis has triggered mass resignations across different levels of the party, with reports indicating that several local government chairmen may also announce their exit in the coming days.
One prominent governorship aspirant, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, had earlier withdrawn from the race, citing alleged plans to manipulate the results through imposition, rather than a free and fair contest.
Several political groups have also accused the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and former Bauchi State governor, Isa Yuguda, of allegedly backing efforts to impose former Governor Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar as the governorship candidate, among others.
Since the announcement of the results, several aspirants and stakeholders have formally resigned from the APC, citing a lack of transparency and violations of internal democracy.
Among those who departed is the member representing Jama’are/Itas-Gadau federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Rabilu Bala Kashuri, who announced his resignation with immediate effect.
Kashuri, an aspirant who sought re-election but was unsuccessful, tendered his withdrawal in a letter dated May 21, 2026, and addressed to APC chairman of Kashuri Ward in the Itas/Gadau Local Government Area.
He said: “This decision was not made overnight. After careful reflection, I believe it is the right step for me at this time. “
I want to sincerely thank the party, the leadership at all levels, and most importantly, the good people of my community for the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute. The experience, support, and friendships I gained during my time in the APC are things I will always value.’’
Similarly, an aspirant for the Katagum federal constituency, Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu, resigned from the party, alleging that the primaries were marred by predetermined results, vote allocation, and gross violations of party guidelines.
According to him, the exercise undermined the principles of internal democracy upon which the APC was founded.
In a letter addressed to the Ward Chairman of the APC in Madangala Ward, Katagum Local Government Area, he wrote: “I write to formally notify you of my intention to resign my membership of the party (Membership No. APC 051203000049) in your ward, with immediate effect.
“This decision follows recent developments regarding party activities, particularly the conduct of the 2026 primaries for various elective positions.
After careful observation and review, I am convinced that the process was marred by predetermined results, the outright allocation of votes, and non-compliance with the guidelines for the conduct of said primaries.
“These actions clearly undermine the internal democracy and principles on which the party was founded. Consequently, I request the party to remove my name from its register and records accordingly. I also wish to sincerely thank the party for the opportunities given to me during my time as a member,” Aliyu said.
Yet another chieftain, Abubakar Dahuwa Abdulkadir, who holds the traditional title of Sarkin Yamman Katagum, also withdrew his membership from the party, describing the primaries as unfair, discriminatory, and contrary to democratic ethics.
He specifically alleged that the APC failed to conduct the planned direct primary election for the Azare/Madangala State Assembly constituency.

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