APC Primaries: Defection Looms in Bauchi as Toro Stakeholders Seek Tinubu’s Intervention

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, have expressed concern over the withdrawal of Senator Shehu Buba from the governorship race and the denial of the Bauchi South Senatorial ticket to Dr. Ibrahim Ali Usman.

In an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, group under the umbrella of Concerned Youth Organizations and Grassroots Political Support Groups, called for urgent intervention to prevent what they described as a looming political crisis in Toro LGA ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Bauchi on Friday, the group’s leader, Safiyanu Muhammad Tama, said Senator Shehu Buba and Dr. Ibrahim Ali Usman remain among the most influential political figures in Toro LGA whose contributions have strengthened the APC at the grassroots level over the years.

According to him, the party’s handling of the political process involving the two leaders has created disappointment and uncertainty among supporters across the area, warning that the situation could weaken the party’s structure if not urgently addressed.

“We write this letter with sincerity, loyalty, and concern for the future of our great party,” the group stated.

“This is not an act of rebellion against the leadership of the APC, but a sincere appeal from committed party loyalists who fear that the party may face avoidable political setbacks in Toro LGA if urgent action is not taken.”

The stakeholders described Toro LGA as one of the APC’s strongest political bases in Bauchi State, noting that party supporters in the area have consistently demonstrated loyalty and commitment to the party’s success.

They warned that continued exclusion, lack of consultation, and poor stakeholder engagement could trigger political realignment and possible defections to opposition parties.

“We are deeply worried that without immediate reconciliation, political inclusion, and strategic engagement, the APC risks losing Toro LGA completely. The atmosphere on the ground already reflects frustration and growing dissatisfaction among party supporters,” the statement added.

The group further urged the APC leadership to convene reconciliation meetings with aggrieved stakeholders in Toro LGA and engage key party figures, including Dr. Ibrahim Ali Usman, to restore confidence and unity within the party.

They also reaffirmed their support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence in his commitment to national development and democratic stability while appealing for swift intervention to safeguard the party’s strength in Bauchi State.