APC Bauchi defections crisis deepens as senators and lawmakers exit party over alleged irregularities and lack of internal democracy after primaries

A wave of political defections has hit the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State following the fallout from the 2026 primaries, as serving lawmakers, former candidates and party chieftains abandon the ruling party over allegations of irregularities and a breakdown of internal democracy.

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The APC Bauchi defections crisis intensified on Tuesday after several high-profile politicians, including serving senators and members of the House of Representatives, formally resigned their membership of the party and defected to opposition platforms, particularly the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

Among the most prominent exits is Senator Shehu Buba Umar, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District. The lawmaker announced his resignation from the APC after withdrawing from the party’s governorship primary, which he described as marred by irregularities and lack of transparency.

Shortly after his departure, Senator Samaila Kaila Dahuwa of Bauchi North also exited the APC, citing what he called persistent injustice and the absence of credible internal democratic processes within the party.

In his resignation letter, Umar accused the APC of sidelining grassroots members and undermining internal democracy, stating that consultations with political allies, youth groups and stakeholders across the state informed his decision to join the PRP.

He said the Peoples Redemption Party offered a more inclusive platform anchored on accountability, justice and people-oriented governance, insisting that his political move was aimed at restoring public trust in leadership.

“Our people deserve better governance, better opportunities, and leadership that truly listens,” he said, urging supporters to align with his new political direction.

The APC Bauchi defections crisis also spread to the National Assembly, with the lawmaker representing Jama’are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency, Rabilu Bala Kashuri, resigning from the party after failing to secure a return ticket.

Former deputy governorship candidate Shehu Aliyu Musa also left the APC, citing leadership failures, internal division and lack of cohesion among party stakeholders in the state.

Other resignations followed, including that of former Bauchi State House of Assembly Majority Leader Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu, who described the party’s primaries as predetermined and accused the APC of replacing democratic selection with imposition.

Traditional titleholder and politician Abubakar Dahuwa Abdulkadir also condemned the process, alleging that direct primaries were not conducted in his constituency and describing the exercise as unfair and exclusionary.

Sulaiman Sunusi Lalaye and Rabi’u Abubakar Bishi also joined the list of defectors, both pointing to unresolved internal crises, alleged manipulation of processes and a lack of fairness within the party structure.

Across Bauchi State, aggrieved APC members continue to allege that candidates were imposed rather than elected through transparent procedures, describing the primaries as a “selection exercise” rather than a democratic contest.

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Political observers say the APC Bauchi defections crisis could significantly reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of the next general elections, potentially strengthening opposition parties in key constituencies.