By Sule Aliyu, Bauchi
One of the leading aspirants for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, Shehu Buba Umar, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has formally withdrawn from the party’s governorship primary election scheduled for Thursday, 21 May 2026.
The senator announced his withdrawal under protest, citing alleged breaches of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Electoral Act 2026, the APC Constitution (2022 as amended), and the party’s electoral guidelines.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Comrade Sabo Mohammed, and addressed to the APC leadership. The statement was made available to journalists on Wednesday.
According to the statement, Senator Buba’s withdrawal followed what he described as irregularities and lack of transparency in the conduct of the party’s primary elections.
It noted that prior to his declaration of interest on 19 April 2026, the APC in Bauchi State had been facing internal leadership crises, particularly affecting key positions within the State Executive Committee, including the offices of the State Secretary and Organising Secretary.
The statement further alleged that the crisis surrounding the ward, local government, and state congresses had escalated internal divisions within the party, with legal and political implications affecting the primaries.
It added that despite efforts by stakeholders to resolve the issues amicably, no solution had been reached.
The senator also referenced provisions of the APC Constitution, particularly Article 7 (ix) and (x), which emphasize internal democracy, discipline, and adherence to the rule of law within the party.
He stressed that these principles, according to him, were not upheld during the primaries.
He further stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier urged party executives and stakeholders to ensure fairness and provide a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the primaries.
However, he alleged that the conduct of the primaries, beginning with the House of Representatives on 16 May, the Senate on 18 May, and the House of Assembly on 20 May 2026, did not reflect these directives.
According to the statement, electoral officials were allegedly compromised, with claims that results were predetermined and that voting processes were not transparently conducted across designated venues.
It further alleged that no clear information was provided regarding polling units, collation centres, electoral officers, or the distribution of electoral materials, describing the process as disorganized and opaque.
The statement also claimed that Senator Buba, despite being a major financier and stakeholder in the party’s activities in Bauchi State, was being sidelined within the party structure.
Following consultations with his supporters, stakeholders, family, and associates, the senator said he had taken what he described as an “irreversible decision” to withdraw from the governorship primary election under protest.
He maintained that democracy cannot thrive where internal party processes are undermined, stressing that electoral laws must be respected to ensure credible elections.
Despite his withdrawal, Senator Buba urged his supporters and political allies to remain calm and steadfast, while entrusting the outcome of the situation to divine will.
He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his leadership and pledged continued support for the success of the APC in the 2027 general elections.
