Bauchi APC defections spark political debate as the party insists it remains united and ready for the 2027 elections despite recent exits
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State has dismissed concerns over recent Bauchi APC defections to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), insisting that the departures of some members will not weaken its political structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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The party’s response follows the exit of Senator Shehu Buba Umar, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District, from the APC to the PRP shortly after withdrawing from the party’s governorship primary process.
Other prominent APC figures, including Samaila Kaila Dahuwa, Rabilu Bala Kashuri and Shehu Aliyu Musa, also resigned from the party alongside their supporters, creating political discussions about the strength of the APC in the state.
However, the APC said the movement of a few individuals should not be interpreted as a decline in its popularity or organisational strength.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the party’s Bauchi State Publicity Secretary, Shehu Dauda Mohammed, said members had the freedom to choose their political affiliations but argued that the defections did not represent a wider shift among voters.
“The departure of a handful of persons should not be exaggerated into evidence of the weakening of the APC or presented as proof of a change in the political direction of Bauchi State,” the statement said.
The party maintained that its strength is built on grassroots structures, committed members and continued engagement with communities across the state.
“A political party is not defined by the movement of a few individuals. Its strength is measured by the resilience of its structures, the reach of its grassroots organisation, the commitment of its members and its continuing connection with the people,” the statement added.
The APC claimed that some of those who left had already become distant from the party’s collective decisions and political direction, describing their exits as a confirmation of an existing situation rather than a major setback.
The party also rejected suggestions that the defections represented a movement of its wider support base, saying its structures remained active across Bauchi’s 20 local government areas and 323 electoral wards.
The APC said its immediate focus was strengthening its organisation ahead of the 2027 elections, including supporting the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seeking to regain control of the Bauchi State Government House and contesting legislative seats at federal and state levels.
Political observers say the recent movement of senior figures highlights the growing competition ahead of the 2027 elections, with parties expected to intensify efforts to attract influential politicians and consolidate grassroots support.
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The APC has urged its members and supporters to remain united, continue community engagement and maintain confidence in the party’s electoral prospects.
