The Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) has suffered another setback in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 general elections following the withdrawal of Yusuf Abdullahi Itas, the incumbent lawmaker representing Itas/Gadau State Constituency in the Bauchi State House of Assembly.
Itas, who chairs the House Committee on Petitions and serves as Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, announced his withdrawal in a letter dated October 5, 2026, addressed to the APM State Chairman in Bauchi.
In the letter titled, “Withdrawal of Candidature for the Itas/Gadau State Constituency Seat in the Bauchi State House of Assembly,” the lawmaker formally notified the party of his decision to withdraw as its candidate for the constituency in the forthcoming election.
Itas described his decision as “entirely voluntary and personal,” while thanking the APM leadership and members for the opportunity and confidence they placed in him.
He also expressed appreciation to the people of Itas/Gadau State Constituency for their support and encouragement.
The development comes less than three weeks after the Chief Whip of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Musa Wakili Nakwada, also withdrew his candidacy for the 2027 election.
Nakwada, a two-term lawmaker representing Bogoro Constituency, had announced his withdrawal in a personally signed letter made available to journalists in Bauchi.
“I wish to write and withdraw my contest as the flag bearer of Bauchi State House of Assembly, Bogoro Constituency, Bogoro Local Government Area, Bauchi State, under our great party, Allied People’s Movement (APM),” he stated.
The lawmaker said he accepted the development in good faith and as the will of God for the peace, unity and development of Bogoro Constituency.
He also appealed to his supporters to accept his decision and regard it as the will of God.
In another development, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi has expressed support for some of the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, saying state governments were benefiting from increased resources.
Mohammed spoke on Monday when he received the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, during a courtesy visit to Bauchi.
The governor, who is contesting for senatorial seat under APM, said the Federal Government’s reforms had increased resources available to states and created opportunities for improved infrastructure and service delivery.
“We are always proud of this kind of partnership. We, as subnationals, are always looking forward to the Federal Government bringing good things to us,” Mohammed said.
He added that state governments would not oppose federal policies simply for the sake of criticism, stressing that positive developments should also be acknowledged.
“The President has done so well in so many aspects, especially in the area of finance, because the states are getting more,” he said.
Mohammed also commended the Federal Government’s interventions in the health sector, particularly the establishment of diagnostic facilities and other healthcare infrastructure.
According to him, stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments would improve access to quality healthcare and raise the standard of living of Nigerians.
The governor further praised Tinubu’s interventions in the security sector, particularly the establishment of military battalions in Alkaleri and Tafawa Balewa.
He said the Federal Government’s response had helped restore peace and enabled displaced residents to return to their communities.
Mohammed recalled that he had approached the President when insecurity in the state was worsening and said the Federal Government responded by deploying a high-powered military contingent involving the National Security Adviser, military services and other security organisations.
He assured the visiting ministers that Bauchi State was prepared to deepen its collaboration with the Federal Government to improve the quality of life of its residents.
