APC Forum Chair Pledges Unity Ahead of 2027 Elections in Bauchi

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

The interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum in Bauchi State, Hon. Dan Umar Bello Giade, has pledged to work with the state leadership of the party to unite all stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Giade made the pledge while speaking with journalists in Bauchi on Thursday shortly after a closed-door meeting between the forum and the state APC executives led by the Chairman.

He said that with several prominent Nigerians aspiring for political offices on the platform of the APC ahead of 2027, there was a need to address issues of disunity that had previously weakened the party in the state.

Among notable APC members reportedly eyeing the Bauchi governorship seat in 2027 are the Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar; and Senator Shehu Buba (Bauchi South), among others.

Giade noted that these aspirants command significant influence both at the national and state levels, possess substantial financial capacity, and have strong grassroots followership.

He explained that rather than allowing supporters of various aspirants to create division within the party, the forum was working to promote understanding and cooperation among all camps.

“We are here at the party secretariat as founding members of the APC in Bauchi State to identify ourselves as members of the party,” Giade said.

“The main problem we have had in Bauchi APC is disunity. We are now trying to bring ourselves together so that we can forge ahead. We have different people aspiring for different positions, and our aim is to bring them together.

“If you have a problem, don’t let it escalate. Make early amends to address it. When you know what to do early enough, you can solve your problems.”

Giade expressed optimism that the forum’s reconciliation efforts would yield positive results, adding that the group represents all aspirants within the party.

“I am optimistic that our efforts to unite the party will be fruitful because we represent all the aspirants,” he said.

“If you look around, you may think all the supporters here are from Senator Shehu Buba’s camp, and elsewhere you might think they belong to Professor Ali Pate’s camp. All the aspirants have their supporters here.

“We have advised ourselves and agreed to work together. Our goal is to strengthen Bauchi State APC, and that is our target. Insha Allah, we will achieve it. We are also encouraging members to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate during the primaries.”

Giade clarified that although there was no written agreement among the aspirants or their supporters, the understanding within the party remained strong.

“There is no written agreement,” he stated.

“We don’t need one because my expectation is that we will succeed. The impression we got from the leadership is encouraging. They are with us, and we are with them. We are one family. We have advised the leadership of the party accordingly.”

He further emphasised the importance of loyalty and consultation, stressing that the party remains the central authority for all members.

“The party is the mother of all groups,” Giade added. “Anything you want to embark upon, you have to inform the party to know the situation and to go ahead.”