Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in Bauchi State, citing violations of the party constitution and the 1999 Constitution.
Buba, a frontline aspirant, pulled out of the race 24 hours before the primary, alleging irregularities and a lack of internal democracy in the process.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Comrade Sabo Mohammed, on Wednesday, the senator said the decision followed extensive consultations with supporters, political associates, family members, and stakeholders. The statement cited “grave violations” of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, the APC Constitution, and the party’s electoral guidelines.
Buba alleged that the APC in Bauchi State has been engulfed in a prolonged leadership crisis involving key positions within the state executive committee, including the offices of the State Secretary and Organising Secretary.
The statement said the crisis, which affected the ward, local government, and state congresses, had continued to undermine the party’s internal processes despite efforts by stakeholders to resolve it amicably.
It accused some party officials of compromising the integrity of the primaries by allegedly operating from undisclosed hotels and announcing predetermined results without conducting actual elections at designated venues.
“The party has practically been hijacked by persons who do not mean well for it,” the statement said, alleging that no real election had taken place in several instances since the primaries began on May 16.
The senator questioned the transparency of the governorship primary process and demanded clarification on the identities of electoral officials, designated voting venues, collation centres, and procedures for distributing election materials.
He said such information had not been made available to aspirants, except to what he described as “prearranged winners.”
The statement also referenced provisions of the APC Constitution that promote internal democracy, discipline, and adherence to the rule of law, arguing that the conduct of the primaries fell short of those standards.
Buba recalled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent call on party officials and stakeholders to ensure fairness and provide a level playing field for all aspirants. Despite withdrawing, he pledged continued support for President Tinubu and his administration and urged his supporters to remain calm and steadfast.
He also expressed gratitude to the President for what he described as purposeful leadership of both the party and the country.
“Democracy cannot flourish on the whims and caprices of a select few,” the statement added, insisting that electoral laws and party guidelines must be obeyed to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.
