2027: Direct Primaries Will Scatter APC, Pro-Party Group Warns

From Paul Orude Bauchi

A political group loyal to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, known as the Pate Youth Ambassadors Initiative (PYI), has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State against adopting direct primaries for the selection of its governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking with journalists in Bauchi on Saturday, leader of the PYI, Prince Mohammed Sani Hassan, warned that considering the peculiarity of Bauchi State, direct primaries will lead to crisis that will consume the party in the long run.

Hassan opposed the called by Bauchi State’s critical stakeholders, led by ex-Speaker Yakubu Dogara during a meeting in Abuja for the State chapter of the APC to select elective office candidates through the direct primary approach.

“We also wish to remind party members of what happened during the CPC era in Bauchi State, where direct primaries led to serious disagreements, with multiple individuals claiming victory.

“Such incidents weakened the party internally and created unnecessary divisions among loyal members. We must learn from history and avoid repeating past mistakes.

“Considering the current security challenges facing our nation, organizing direct primaries across different locations may expose our supporters and innocent citizens to avoidable risks.

“At a time when Nigerians are calling for peace and stability, political activities should not become avenues for conflict or insecurity.

He advised the APC in the state to consider the option of selecting a consensus candidate out of the aspirants jostling to become governor.

“Today, we are gathered here to passionately appeal to all APC aspirants in Bauchi State who have purchased nomination forms to contest for the positions of Governor, Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly to embrace the spirit of unity by adopting the method of consensus rather than direct primaries,” he stated.

“As a progressive youth movement committed to the peace, unity, and success of our great party, we strongly believe that consensus remains the best democratic option for APC in Bauchi State at this critical moment.

“Consensus promotes understanding, mutual respect, reconciliation, and party cohesion, while direct primaries, if not properly managed, may create unnecessary tension, political thuggery, division, and enmity among party members.

“If truly we love the APC and sincerely desire the party to take over power in Bauchi State after eight years in opposition, then unity must be our top priority. Victory can only be achieved through collective understanding, sacrifice, and mutual agreement among all stakeholders.

“We therefore call on All APC aspirants in Bauchi State, Party executives at all levels, Elders and stakeholders, Youth and women groups, and all loyal party members, to support the adoption of consensus in the interest of peace, unity, and the overall success of APC in Bauchi State.

“We believe that whoever emerges through consensus is chosen by God and accepted by the majority for the progress of the party. At this critical moment, APC needs unity more than division.

Finally, we urge all party supporters to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and committed to the growth of the APC.”