Political tension has heightened in Bauchi State following the defection of Senator Shehu Buba Umar from the All Progressives Congress to the People’s Redemption Party just days after withdrawing from the APC governorship primary election.
Buba, who represented Bauchi South Senatorial District and was considered one of the leading contenders for the APC governorship ticket, stepped down from the race shortly before the primary election, citing alleged violations of party rules and constitutional provisions.
The senator officially announced his resignation from the APC on Sunday, May 24, 2026, blaming what he described as the absence of internal democracy, lack of fairness, and marginalisation of genuine party members.
He also accused the party leadership of disregarding grassroots supporters across the state.
According to Buba, his decision to join the PRP followed extensive consultations with political associates, youth and women groups, stakeholders, and supporters throughout Bauchi State.
He described the PRP as a platform founded on “justice, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and people-oriented leadership.”
“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 urged his supporters to join him in the PRP to continue what he called the struggle for good governance and accountability in the state.
The crisis within the APC in Bauchi State further deepened with the resignation of another senator, Samaila Kaila Dahuwa, who reportedly left the party after losing his return ticket and subsequently defected to the PRP.
In the House of Representatives, Hon. Rabilu Bala Kashuri also resigned from the APC after failing to secure the party’s re-election ticket. He submitted his resignation letter to his ward chairman on May 21, 2026.
Former deputy governorship candidate in 2023, Hon. Shehu Aliyu Musa, also dumped the APC, citing lack of purposeful leadership, unfair treatment of party members, and lack of cohesion among party leaders.
Several other party chieftains and aspirants have equally resigned since the conclusion of the APC governorship primaries, alleging that the process lacked transparency and internal democracy.
Among them is former House of Assembly Majority Leader and aspirant for Katagum Federal Constituency, Hon. Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu, who described the primary process as unfair and predetermined.
In his resignation letter, he 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.”
He added that the conduct of the 2026 primaries was characterised by predetermined results, allocation of votes, and non-compliance with party guidelines.
Other APC members, including Hon. Abubakar Dahuwa Abdulkadir, Hon. Sulaiman Sunusi Lalaye, and Hon. Rabi’u Abubakar Bishi, also resigned from the party, citing injustice, internal crises, and irregularities in the conduct of the primaries.
Many aggrieved members maintained that no genuine direct primaries were held, alleging that candidates were imposed instead of emerging through a democratic process.
