A wave of defections has hit the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State following the party’s controversial governorship primary, with several prominent politicians abandoning the ruling party over allegations of injustice, imposition of candidates, and lack of internal democracy.
Among the latest defectors is Senator Shehu Buba Umar, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District. His resignation came just days after he withdrew from the APC governorship primary election, citing violations of party guidelines and constitutional provisions.
Announcing his departure on Sunday, May 24, 2026, Buba said he was leaving the APC due to the “absence of internal democracy, lack of fairness, marginalisation” of genuine party members, and what he described as a growing disregard for the views and aspirations of grassroots supporters.
The senator subsequently joined the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), explaining that the decision followed extensive consultations with political associates, youth and women groups, stakeholders, and supporters across Bauchi State.
According to him, the PRP is founded on the principles of justice, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and people-centred leadership while remaining committed to the democratic ideals enshrined in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
Buba stressed the need for leaders to work together to address the country’s pressing challenges, including poverty, unemployment, insecurity, economic hardship, and poor governance.
“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,” Buba said.
He also urged his supporters and allies to join him in the PRP to continue the pursuit of good governance, social justice, accountability, and sustainable development in Bauchi State.
In a related development, Senator Samaila Kaila Dahuwa of Bauchi North also exited the APC after failing to secure the party’s ticket for another term and subsequently joined the PRP.
Similarly, Hon. Rabilu Bala Kashuri, who represents Jama’are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, resigned from the APC after an unsuccessful bid for re-election. In a letter dated May 21, 2026, addressed to the APC chairman in Kashuri Ward, Itas/Gadau Local Government Area, he announced his immediate withdrawal from the party.
Former House of Representatives member and 2023 deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Shehu Aliyu Musa, also resigned from the APC. Musa, who contested for the party’s Bauchi South Senatorial District ticket, attributed his decision to “lack of purposeful leadership, unfair treatment of party members and lack of cohesion among leaders of the party.”
The APC has continued to face growing criticism since the announcement of the gubernatorial primary results, with several aspirants and stakeholders alleging irregularities and a lack of transparency in the selection process.
Some political groups have accused the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and former Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda of supporting efforts to impose former governor Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar as the party’s governorship candidate.
Former Majority Leader of the Bauchi State House of Assembly and aspirant for the Katagum Federal Constituency, Hon. Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu, also resigned from the APC, alleging that the primary election process was manipulated.
In his resignation letter to the APC chairman in Madangala Ward, Katagum Local Government Area, Aliyu stated: “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.”
Another APC stalwart, Hon. Abubakar Dahuwa Abdulkadir, the Sarkin Yamman Katagum, also dumped the party. He described the primaries as unfair and discriminatory, claiming that the APC failed to conduct the planned direct primary election for the Azare/Madangala State Assembly constituency.
Hon. Sulaiman Sunusi Lalaye, who sought the APC ticket for the Bauchi State House of Assembly, likewise resigned from the party. In a letter dated May 22, 2026, and addressed to the APC chairman of Makama/Sarkin Baki Ward in Bauchi Local Government Area, Lalaye said he was leaving after years of membership because of what he termed persistent injustice and irregularities within the party.
Also joining the list of defectors was Hon. Rabi’u Abubakar Bishi, who cited unresolved internal disputes and unfair treatment as reasons for his exit.
“I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign from the All Progressives Congress. I have taken this step due to internal crises and injustice, among other issues, which I can no longer bear. This resignation will enable me to remain committed to my principles of fighting for good governance in our state,” Bishi said.
Many aggrieved party members maintain that no genuine direct primaries were conducted in Bauchi State, alleging that candidates were imposed through a process they described as selection rather than democratic election.
