Post-Bauchi Congresses: Unity is Key for APC Success

By: Sani Danaudi Mohammed 

The aftermath of the Bauchi Congresses presents a critical juncture for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. The party's performance in the 2019 elections serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of internal conflicts and disunity. The APC's defeat in 2019 was largely attributed to the infighting and factionalism that plagued the party, leading to a lack of focus and cohesion in their campaign efforts.

The party's failure to present a united front and support their best candidate ultimately cost them the election. It's imperative that the APC learns from its past mistakes and puts aside personal interests for the greater good of the party. The reality is that not everyone can be governor at the same time, and it's crucial that party members rally behind the candidate with the widest popularity, acceptability, and grassroots support.

Bauchi APC needs a leader who can unite the party and appeal to a broad spectrum of voters. The party's best chance of winning the state lies in supporting a candidate who has demonstrated strength in mobilizing the grassroots and has a proven track record of winning elections. Anything short of this will be a recipe for disaster.

The APC's internal conflicts in Bauchi have been well-documented, and it's time for party leaders to step in and broker peace. The congresses may be over, but the real battle for Bauchi has just begun. The APC must put aside its differences and work towards a common goal: winning the state back for the party.

The call for unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State has never been more urgent. As the party looks towards the 2027 elections, it is imperative that members put aside their differences and support their best candidate. The stakes are high, and the APC cannot afford to get it wrong again. In light of this, the path forward is clear: Post-Bauchi Congresses: Unity is Key for APC Success.

Several aspirants have thrown their hats into the ring, including the immediate past Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar SAN, Minister of Health and Welfare Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Senator Shehu Buba Umar and Bala Wunti. While all candidates have their strengths, it is hard to look beyond the immediate past Governor's impressive track record. Despite the challenges he faced in 2019, M. A Abubakar secured over 500,000 votes and lost to the incumbent Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed CON of the PDP.

One of Abubakar's key strengths is his established network across the 20 local governments of Bauchi State. This existing structure gives him a significant advantage, allowing him to hit the ground running in the 2027 elections. No one can deny the fact that Abubakar has a strong foundation to build on, and the APC at the national level would do well to take note of this.

The 2019 elections were a learning curve for the APC, and it is crucial that the party does not repeat the same mistakes. Abubakar's experience as governor for 4 years has given him invaluable insight into governance and the needs of Bauchi State. His leadership can provide the stability and continuity the state needs, and it is essential that the APC rallies behind him.

The APC's decision on its candidate will be crucial in determining its chances of winning the 2027 elections. Given Abubakar's popularity, grassroots support, and established network, he presents the best bet for the party. It is time for the APC to unite behind a strong candidate and focus on winning the election, rather than engaging in petty squabbles and power struggles.

The disunity within the APC in Bauchi State is indeed surprising, especially considering the consequences it had in the 2019 elections. What's even more concerning is that this disunity is not limited to the top echelows of the party, but has trickled down to the smaller members at the local government and ward levels. It is imperative that elder statesmen like Mallam Isa Yuguda step in to play a fatherly role and advise the party members on the importance of unity.

As the Coordinator of the Renew Hope organization for the North East region, Yuguda is in a unique position to influence the party's direction and ensure that everyone is carried along. His experience as a former Governor of Bauchi State also gives him the credibility to speak on matters affecting the party. It is expected that he would use his position to counsel party members, especially those who may be harboring ambitions of running for office, to prioritize the party's interests over personal ambitions.

Other stakeholders, such as Senators and members of the House of Representatives, must also take a cue from the State stakeholders approach. They need to ensure that everyone is carried along, without being arrogant or dismissive of others' views. The PDP's era is a reminder of what happens when power goes to one's head, the party lost woefully in the elections. It is crucial that APC members learn from this lesson and avoid making the same mistakes.

The current electoral act of 2026, which has abolished the delegates system, has given the power to decide who flies the party's ticket to the registered members of the political parties. This calls for an urgent reversal of old, stone-aged thinking. Party members must recognize that their individual interests are tied to the party's success and work towards achieving a common goal. With the registered members having the power to decide, it is essential that the APC presents a united front and supports a candidate who has the widest appeal.

It is clear that the APC in Bauchi State is at a crossroads, and the party's decision on its candidate will make or break its chances in the 2027 elections. Amidst the noise and speculation, one thing stands out – the immediate past Governor M. A Abubakar SAN is a strong contender with a proven track record. The party knows it, and it's time everyone else acknowledged it too.

Contesting an election is one thing, but winning is the ultimate goal. Abubakar's experience, grassroots support, and established network make him a formidable candidate. The APC would be wise to rally behind him and focus on winning the election, rather than engaging in petty squabbles and power struggles.

In the end, the APC's decision will be a litmus test of its commitment to winning the 2027 elections. With the registered members having the power to decide, the party must put aside its differences and support a candidate who can deliver victory. M. A Abubakar SAN is that candidate, and it's time the party united behind him.

Danaudi, Public Affairs Analyst Writes From Bauchi Via danaudicomrade@gmail.com