APC Members Reject Alleged Candidate Imposition In Bauchi Governorship Primary

Some supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State have rejected alleged moves to impose a governorship candidate ahead of the party’s primary election, insisting on a transparent, credible and competitive process.

The party stakeholders made their position known on Thursday during a visit to the hotel where the APC electoral committee was reportedly lodged, seeking clarification on the conduct and postponement of the governorship primary.

An APC stakeholder, Musa Buba Mohammed, popularly known as “Civilian General,” said members would not accept any attempt by a few individuals to impose a candidate on the party.

He stressed that democracy must reflect the will of party members rather than the interests of a select few.

“We are here to register our grievances because democracy is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, not a government designed for a selected few,” he said.

Mohammed said APC supporters in Bauchi were demanding a free, fair and credible primary that would produce a candidate widely accepted by party members and the electorate.

He noted that although the primary election was earlier postponed from Thursday to Friday, members remained hopeful that the rescheduled exercise would be conducted in a transparent manner.

According to him, supporters were confident that aspirant Nura Manu Soro would emerge victorious if a level playing field was guaranteed.

He also appealed to the leadership of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure fairness and justice in the process.

Mohammed said the postponement of primaries in Bauchi and Kwara States had generated suspicion among party members, raising concerns over possible manipulation.

“Why was the election postponed? There must be reasons behind it. Other states conducted their primaries, but Bauchi and Kwara were postponed. That is why many people are beginning to suspect foul play,” he said.

He added that party members were informed of the postponement and insisted that only a credible process would sustain trust in the party.

Mohammed further argued that the APC must uphold internal democracy, noting that President Tinubu himself emerged through a competitive electoral process.

“The President emerged through the ballot, not through consensus. That is the same democratic process we are demanding here in Bauchi,” he stated.

Another party member, Comrade Abdul’Aziz Nasrullah, also called for a transparent process, saying Bauchi deserved credible candidates who genuinely represent the interests of the people.

He warned against imposition, alleging that such practices could undermine unity within the party.

Both stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to the APC but insisted that justice, transparency and fairness must be upheld in the governorship primary election in Bauchi State.