From Nasir Shuaibu BAUCHI
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State is facing a contrasting political reality ahead of the 2027 elections, with the party announcing thousands of new members while prominent chieftains and former aspirants continue to resign.
The development has raised questions about the strength and cohesion of the opposition party as it prepares for the next general elections.
Among the prominent politicians who have recently left the APC are former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Sagir Aminu Saleh; two-time governorship aspirant, Captain Muhammad Bala Jibrin; and Hon. Sunusi Aliyu Kunde.
Their exits followed earlier resignations by other aspirants and stakeholders, including Hon. Rabilu Bala Kashuri, Hon. Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu and Hon. Abubakar Dahuwa Abdulkadir.
The departures are occurring alongside the APC’s efforts to expand its membership.
The party recently organised a reception in Azare where its leadership announced the defection of thousands of members from various political parties under the leadership of Faruk Mustapha.
However, the absence of several prominent APC figures from the event has generated concerns over whether the party’s reported membership gains are being matched by unity among its major stakeholders.
Those absent included former Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; governorship aspirants Alhaji Nura Manu Soro and Bala Maijama’a Wunti; former Governor Isa Yuguda; and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara.
Although no official explanation was given for their absence, party members linked it to lingering disagreements, particularly over the conduct of the 2027 primaries and the emergence of candidates.
The latest resignation came from Captain Muhammad Bala Jibrin, who cited “brazen injustice” and alleged imposition of candidates as reasons for leaving the APC.
Jibrin said he took the decision after consulting his supporters, friends and associates, adding that they endorsed his decision to exit the party.
Former Deputy Governor Sagir Aminu Saleh also resigned, although he cited personal reasons without mentioning the party’s internal politics.
Kunde, another prominent party member, resigned from the APC in August, expressing sadness over his departure after years of political association with the party.
The resignations have revived earlier complaints by aggrieved members about alleged lack of internal democracy and imposition during the party’s primaries.
The Bauchi Progressives Forum has also challenged the outcome of the APC governorship primary, alleging that no genuine election took place across the state.
The forum's chairman, Mallam Ibrahim Abdullahi, described the results as “fictitious” and alleged that aspirants were pressured to withdraw in favour of former Governor Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar.
The allegations have been disputed by APC supporters, who insist that the party remains strong and capable of challenging the ruling party in 2027.
Some aggrieved members have called on the APC national leadership to intervene, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and other party leaders to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation.
The party had earlier established a reconciliation committee headed by former Speaker Yakubu Dogara in an effort to address disagreements among members.
Political observers say the situation presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the APC.
According to them, the reported influx of new members could improve the party’s grassroots structure, but the continued exit of influential politicians could weaken its ability to consolidate support.
They said the outcome of the 2027 elections in Bauchi may depend largely on whether the party can convert its growing membership into a united political force before the polls.
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