APC Bauchi governorship consensus crisis deepens as stakeholders oppose alleged plans to replace direct primary with consensus arrangement
The All Progressives Congress, All Progressives Congress in Bauchi State is facing rising internal tension following indications that the party may adopt a consensus arrangement for its governorship primary election.
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APC Bauchi governorship crisis over consensus plan emerged after the postponement of the primary initially scheduled for Thursday, with strong signals suggesting a possible shift away from the direct primary system earlier endorsed by stakeholders.
Prominent party figures, including former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, had previously supported the direct primary method after consultations among APC stakeholders in Abuja.
Under the direct primary arrangement, all registered party members are expected to participate in selecting the governorship candidate, a system widely viewed as more transparent and less prone to manipulation.
However, emerging reports suggest that party leaders may now be considering a consensus option, with aspirants reportedly summoned to Abuja for further consultations.
The development has triggered concerns within the state chapter of the party, with some members alleging attempts to impose a preferred candidate ahead of the rescheduled exercise.
Security presence was observed at the APC secretariat in Bauchi, although officials of the electoral committee were reportedly absent at the venue.
Some stakeholders have expressed frustration over the postponement, arguing that it has created uncertainty and fuelled suspicion among party supporters across the state.
Protests were also reported from supporters of one of the aspirants, who accused unnamed party figures of undermining internal democracy and replacing a planned vote with a negotiated outcome.
Another aspirant, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, had earlier withdrawn from the race, citing alleged irregularities in the primary process.
Party members have warned that any attempt to impose a candidate could deepen divisions within the APC in Bauchi State and weaken its chances in the forthcoming governorship election.
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Despite the tensions, stakeholders involved in the protests reaffirmed their loyalty to the party, insisting their demands are aimed at protecting fairness and transparency in the selection process.
