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 aspirants and their thousands of members have reportedly dumped the party over allegations of injustice, candidate imposition, and a lack of internal democracy.
Several party stakeholders and aspirants across the state accused APC leadership of sidelining due process during the conduct of the primaries for governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly positions.
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.
Controversy surrounding the primaries began even before the exercise concluded, as some aspirants openly expressed fears that the process had already been compromised. One APC governorship aspirant, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, had earlier withdrawn from the race, citing alleged plans to manipulate the results through imposition rather than a free and fair contest.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, Mallam Isa Yuguda, of allegedly backing efforts to impose former governor Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar as the party’s governorship candidate, among others in 2027 elections.
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 the Jama’are/Itas-Gadau federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. 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, addressed to the APC Chairman of Kashuri Ward in the Itas/Gadau Local Government Area.
Kashuri stated that his decision followed careful reflection, adding that while he appreciated the opportunities and relationships built within the APC, he believed resigning was the best step for his political future.
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,” he added.
“To everyone who stood by me and encouraged me over the years: thank you. I hold no ill will toward the party or any of its members, and I wish the APC well in all its future endeavors. Please accept this letter as my formal notice of resignation. I will also take the necessary steps to formally deregister,” Hon. Rabilu Bala Kashuri said.
Similarly, an aspirant for the Katagum Federal Constituency, Hon. 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.”
He continued, “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,” Hon. Aliyu said.
Another chieftain, Hon. Abubakar Dahuwa Abdulkadir, who holds the traditional title of Sarkin Yamman Katagum, also withdrew his membership from the party. He described 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.
Furthermore, Hon. Sulaiman Sunusi Lalaye, an aspirant seeking to represent the Bauchi Constituency in the State House of Assembly, announced his resignation from the APC.
In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the APC in Makama/Sarkin Baki Ward, Bauchi Local Government Area, dated May 22, 2026, Lalaye stated that although he had been a member of the party since its formation, he decided to leave due to persistent irregularities and injustice within the party.
Hon. Sulaiman Sunusi Lalaye formally notified the party of his decision to withdraw his candidacy for the State House of Assembly on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform.
