Bauchi APC Group defends gubernatorial primary, rejects claims of irregularities

By Christopher Ameh, Bauchi

A stakeholder group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State has defended the conduct of the party’s recent gubernatorial primary, calling on members to accept the emergence of former Governor Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

The group was reacting to a recent press briefing by the Tuggar Foundation, led by Shehu Barau Ningi, which questioned the validity of the primary.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Malam Umar Faruk Bala, the group described the allegations as unfounded and maintained that the primary was conducted in line with the APC Constitution and the amended Electoral Act.

According to the statement, the exercise followed months of consultations across the state’s 20 local government areas, with the results collated in the presence of party officials, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.

The group also questioned the standing of some individuals who addressed the press briefing, alleging that some were no longer active members of the APC. It claimed that Shehu Barau Ningi left the party in 2019 and had not formally returned, while another participant, Sani Shehu, was associated with another political party. It argued that such individuals lacked the basis to challenge the APC’s internal processes.

Commenting on the party’s internal affairs, the group urged Ambassador Yusuf Mai-Tama Tuggar and his supporters to support the party’s candidate in the interest of unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It also commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, for his contributions to the health sector, urging political actors to promote constructive engagement within the party.

The group defended Abubakar’s record as governor between 2015 and 2019, citing achievements it said included the clearance of inherited salary and pension arrears, road construction projects and investments in education and healthcare.

It warned that any attempt to alter the outcome of the primary could undermine party cohesion, while calling on all APC members in the state to close ranks and work together to secure victory in the 2027 elections.

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