A wave of political defections has rocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State following the fallout of its 2026 primaries, as several lawmakers, former candidates, and party chieftains dumped the party over allegations of irregularities and lack of internal democracy.Politics
The development has seen prominent politicians, including Senators and members of the House of Representatives, resigning their membership of the APC and joining opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).
Leading the latest defections is the Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Buba Umar, who announced his resignation from the APC and formally joined the PRP after withdrawing from the party’s governorship primary, which he said was marred by irregularities. 
He was followed by the Senator representing Bauchi North, Samaila Kaila Dahuwa, who also exited the APC after losing his return ticket, citing lack of fairness and internal democracy within the party.
In his resignation statement, Buba Umar accused the APC of “absence of internal democracy, marginalisation of genuine party members, and disregard for grassroots voices,” adding that his move to the PRP followed extensive consultations with political associates, youth groups, women organizations, and stakeholders across Bauchi State.
According to him, the PRP offers a more people-focused platform anchored on justice, transparency, and accountability, stressing that his new political direction is aimed at strengthening democratic governance and improving the welfare of citizens.
“Our people deserve better governance, better opportunities, and leadership that truly listens,” he said, urging his supporters to join him in building a stronger movement within the PRP.
The wave of defections also includes members of the National Assembly. The lawmaker representing Jama’are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency, Rabilu Bala Kashuri, resigned from the APC after failing to secure a reelection ticket.
Similarly, former deputy governorship candidate and ex-lawmaker, Shehu Aliyu Musa, also dumped the party, citing poor leadership, injustice, and lack of cohesion among APC stakeholders in the state.
In another resignation, former Bauchi State House of Assembly Majority Leader and aspirant for Katagum Federal Constituency, Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu, accused the APC primaries of being predetermined, alleging vote allocation and violations of party guidelines.
He described the process as a “selection exercise” rather than a democratic primary, saying it undermined the founding principles of the party.
Also leaving the party is traditional titleholder and politician, Abubakar Dahuwa Abdulkadir, who condemned the primaries as unfair and discriminatory, while accusing the party of failing to conduct direct primaries in his constituency.
Another aspirant, Sulaiman Sunusi Lalaye, resigned from the APC, stating that his decision was based on persistent irregularities and injustice within the party structure.
He formally notified the party of his withdrawal from the House of Assembly race, adding that he could no longer continue under what he described as a compromised system.
Similarly, Rabi’u Abubakar Bishi also announced his resignation, citing internal crises and unfair treatment of members.
He said his exit was necessary to remain committed to his principles of good governance and political integrity.
Across Bauchi State, aggrieved APC members continue to accuse the party of lacking transparency in its primary elections, alleging that candidates were imposed rather than elected through proper democratic processes.
As the political tension deepens, observers say the mass defections could significantly reshape the political landscape in Bauchi ahead of the next general elections.
