Crisis in Bauchi APC: Mass Resignations Erupt Over ‘Handpicked’ Candidates in 2027 Primaries

Bauchi, Nigeria A deepening crisis is tearing through the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State as hundreds of aggrieved members resign en masse, accusing the party leadership of abandoning democratic primaries in favor of candidate imposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Disgruntled party faithful allege that no direct primaries were held across the state.

Instead, they claim, aspirants were merely “selected and imposed” by a powerful cabal triggering widespread outrage and a steady exodus that now threatens to engulf even local government chairmen, with reports suggesting several may announce their departure in the coming days.

The turmoil escalated when a leading governorship aspirant, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, withdrew from the race, warning of a predetermined plot to manipulate results through imposition rather than a free and fair contest.

Multiple political groups have further pointed fingers at the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and former Bauchi State governor, Isa Yuguda, alleging they are backing efforts to install former Governor Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar as the APC’s governorship candidate.

Since the primary results were announced, a growing list of aspirants and stakeholders have formally quit the party, citing a complete lack of transparency and violations of internal democracy.

Among the high-profile defectors is the House of Representatives member for Jama’are/Itas-Gadau federal constituency, Hon. Rabilu Bala Kashuri. In a resignation letter dated May 21, 2026, addressed to his ward APC chairman in Itas/Gadau LGA, Kashuri stated:

“This decision was not made overnight. After careful reflection, I believe it is the right step for me at this time. I sincerely thank the party, its leadership, and my community for the opportunity to serve. The friendships and experience I gained remain invaluable.”

Similarly, Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu, an aspirant for the Katagum federal constituency, resigned in protest, alleging the primaries were riddled with predetermined results, vote allocation fraud, and gross violations of APC guidelines.

In his resignation letter to the Madangala Ward chairman in Katagum LGA, he wrote:

“I write to formally notify you of my resignation from the party (Membership No. APC 051203000049), effective immediately.

This follows the conduct of the 2026 primaries, which I believe was marred by predetermined results, vote allocation, and non-compliance with party guidelines. These actions undermine internal democracy. Kindly remove my name from the party register.”

Adding to the chorus of discontent, Abubakar Dahuwa Abdulkadir, the traditional titleholder of Sarkin Yamman Katagum, also severed ties with the APC.

He described the primaries as “unfair, discriminatory, and contrary to democratic ethics,” specifically alleging that the party failed to conduct the planned direct primary for the Azare/Madangala State Assembly constituency.

With resignations now spreading across all levels, the APC in Bauchi faces an uphill battle to restore confidence and avert a complete collapse ahead of the 2027 elections.