The political landscape in Bauchi State has been shaken as Senator Shehu Buba Umar, who represents Bauchi South, has abandoned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the People’s Redemption Party (PRP). His departure came shortly after he withdrew from the APC governorship primary, citing serious breaches of party rules and constitutional provisions.
Buba, once a top contender for the governorship ticket, stepped down just before the primary election. He announced his resignation on Sunday, May 24, 2026, pointing to what he called a lack of internal democracy, unfair treatment, marginalization of genuine members, and disregard for grassroots supporters within the APC.
After extensive consultations with political allies, youth and women groups, and stakeholders across Bauchi, Buba said he chose PRP because it embodies justice, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and people-focused leadership. He stressed that leaders must unite to tackle national challenges like poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and economic hardship. “Our people deserve better governance, better opportunities, and leadership that truly listens to their concerns. Politics should be about service to humanity, justice, development, and improving the living conditions of the masses,” Buba stated. He called on his supporters to follow him to PRP to continue the fight for good governance and accountability.
The crisis extends beyond Buba. Senator Samaila Kaila Dahuwa from Bauchi North also quit the APC after losing his return ticket, moving to PRP as well. In the House of Representatives, Hon. Rabilu Bala Kashuri left the APC after failing to secure re-election ticket, resigning on May 21, 2026. Former deputy governorship candidate Hon. Shehu Aliyu Musa also resigned, blaming lack of purposeful leadership, unfair treatment of members, and lack of cohesion among party leaders.
Since the APC governorship primaries concluded, many other aspirants and stakeholders have resigned, accusing the process of lacking transparency and internal democracy. Former House of Assembly majority leader and aspirant for Katagum Federal Constituency, Hon. Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu, resigned, calling the process unfair and predetermined. In his letter, he wrote: “I write to formally notify you of my intention to resign my membership of the party… This decision follows recent developments regarding party activities, particularly the conduct of the 2026 primaries for various elective positions. After careful observation and review, I am convinced that the process was marred by predetermined results, the outright allocation of votes, and non-compliance with the guidelines for the conduct of said primaries.”
Other members like Hon. Abubakar Dahuwa Abdulkadir, Hon. Sulaiman Sunusi Lalaye, and Hon. Rabi’u Abubakar Bishi also resigned, citing injustice, internal crises, and irregularities. Many aggrieved members insisted that no proper direct primaries were conducted and that candidates were imposed rather than elected democratically.