Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi
Senator Shehu Buba Umar has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Bauchi State, citing what he described as serious violations of electoral laws, party guidelines and democratic principles ahead of the contest.
The lawmaker, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District, announced his withdrawal in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Comrade Sabo Mohammed.
He said the decision was taken after extensive consultations with supporters, political associates, stakeholders, family members and friends.
According to the statement, Senator Buba alleged that the APC in Bauchi State has been plagued by a prolonged leadership crisis involving key positions within the state executive committee, including the offices of the secretary and organising secretary.
He argued that the unresolved disputes had created legal and political challenges that undermined confidence in the party’s internal processes.
The senator maintained that despite efforts by concerned stakeholders to resolve the issues amicably, the problems persisted, prompting concerns over the credibility and transparency of the governorship primary election.
Buba further accused party officials of failing to provide critical information regarding the conduct of the primary, including details of electoral officials, voting venues, collation centres and the distribution of election materials.
He alleged that some party processes had been manipulated to favour predetermined candidates, contrary to the APC constitution and principles of internal democracy.
The senator also referenced repeated calls by Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fairness and equal opportunities for all aspirants during the party’s primary elections, arguing that the situation in Bauchi State did not reflect those directives.
He claimed that no visible preparations had been made for a transparent governorship primary election and insisted that key questions raised by aspirants remained unanswered. As a result, he said continuing in the contest would amount to endorsing a process he considered flawed.
“Democracy cannot thrive on the whims of a select few. Laws governing elections are made to be obeyed, and where they are not respected, the honourable option is to withdraw,” the statement quoted him as saying.
Despite his withdrawal, Senator Buba urged his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding while expressing confidence that the future would ultimately be determined by the will of God. He also reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and pledged continued support for President Tinubu ahead of future elections.
The withdrawal comes just ahead of the APC governorship primary in Bauchi State, where leading contenders include Yusuf Tuggar, Bala Wunti and former Bauchi State governor Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar.
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