APC Bauchi gov’ship primary: Tuggar supporters demand review

Supporters of former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, are demanding a review of the All Progressives Congress's primary election process for the Bauchi State governorship candidate. The Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar Foundation formally appealed to APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, challenging the selection process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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We describe the declaration as purported because it was made by Mohammed Abubakar himself, rather than through an official announcement by the appropriate organs of the All Progressives Congress. Such a development is unusual and unprecedented. To date, the party has not publicly and officially confirmed the declaration.

The foundation argues that the declaration of a candidate was unusual, as it was made by an aspirant himself rather than official party organs. They stated that the APC's continued silence has created an impression of tacit endorsement, despite no official confirmation. The foundation submitted a letter on June 2, 2026, seeking a review.

Central to their objection is the claim that no governorship primary election took place in Bauchi State. The foundation considers any declared winner of a non-existent election to be unfounded, unjustifiable, unconstitutional, and lacking legitimate basis. They expressed concern that this situation could lead to dissatisfaction among party members and potential defections, weakening the APC for the upcoming elections.

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No governorship primary election was conducted in Bauchi State. Consequently, the declaration of any aspirant as the winner of a primary election that never took place is, in our view, unfounded, unjustifiable, unconstitutional, and devoid of any legitimate basis.

According to the foundation's secretary, Shehu Barau, the wave of defections and negative reactions from party members and the public serve as clear warning signs. He stressed that unless the situation is urgently addressed, the party risks a disappointing outcome in the 2027 General Election. Barau also alleged that the purported candidate, Mohammed Abubakar, provided contradictory explanations for his emergence, initially claiming unanimous endorsement and later stating disagreements necessitated a primary.

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The wave of defections from the party, coupled with the widespread negative reactions and expressions of dissatisfaction by party members, stakeholders and the general public, are clear warning signs that, unless the situation is urgently addressed, the party risks a disappointing outcome in the 2027 General Election.