2027: Tinubu Wins APC Presidential Primary in Bauchi, Pate Warns Against Defection

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

President Bola Tinubu has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary election in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 general election.

Although notable party leaders, including APC flagbearer for Bauchi State former Governor Mohammed Abubakar and the APC State Chairman, Hassan Tilde among others, attended the collation and announcement of the results, several prominent stakeholders and aspirants, among them Senator Shehu Buba (Bauchi South), Bala Wunti, and Yusuf Tuggar, were absent from the exercise.

Announcing the results at the Event Centre Collation Centre on Saturday night, the collation officer, Professor Ali Pate, disclosed that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu secured 154,541 votes to defeat his rival, Stanley Osifo, who polled 2,650 out of 159, 191 votes cast.

Pate, who is the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, described the exercise as peaceful, organised, and transparent.

He noted that results were received from wards across the state and assured party members that the outcome would be forwarded to the National Collation Centre in Abuja.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can be assured of the support of the people of Bauchi State, as reflected in the decision reached through this process,” he said.

He commended party faithful, stakeholders, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and security agencies for ensuring a smooth and peaceful primary election.

The minister expressed confidence that the APC would emerge victorious in the 2027 general election, adding that Bauchi State stood to benefit more if aligned with the ruling party at the national level.

Speaking shortly after the exercise, Pate said the enthusiasm displayed by party members from the ward level demonstrated that the APC remained strong and united in Bauchi State.

He also appealed to aspirants who lost in the recent APC primaries to remain committed to the party and avoid actions capable of weakening its structure ahead of the general election.

Pate noted that politics should be seen as a contest in which candidates either win or lose, recalling that he personally contested and lost elections three times.

“We are still in the business of improving our society. We have not given up,” he stated.

“There are people who may feel disappointed and shortchanged. We are urging those who did not get what they expected this time to remain patient and continue working for the party. There are other opportunities through which the party can recognise and reward loyalty and commitment.”

He said party leaders had already begun reconciliation efforts aimed at healing grievances arising from the primaries.

“We have asked members at all levels to reach out to one another, reconcile, and work together. Just as the broom becomes stronger when tied together, we must remain united if we are to succeed in the national election,” he added.

Pate further warned against defections, saying members who failed to secure tickets should not allow anger or frustration to push them into leaving the APC.

“If Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu wins at the national level, as we are confident he will, and Bauchi State fails to align itself properly, the state may lose valuable opportunities. We do not want Bauchi to remain in opposition while the majority of the country moves in the direction of the APC,” he said.

“You should not allow anger, disappointment, or the quest for power to control your decisions. Power is a means to an end. If you do not get it today, you may get another opportunity tomorrow.”

He maintained that the APC leadership in the state would continue engaging aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders in order to strengthen unity within the party.

“APC is an inclusive party. We will continue to heal wounds, reconcile members, and strengthen the party to ensure victory in future elections,” he said.