APC Bauchi: Counting the Losses, Urged to Reconsider its Action By Raymond Enoch
The All Progressives Congress in Bauchi State appears to be entering one of the most difficult moments in its political history, as growing internal divisions, defections, and dissatisfaction continue to threaten the unity of the party ahead of future political contests.
What many party loyalists expected to be a period of consolidation and strategic rebuilding has instead turned into widening confusion, resentment, and the emergence of fresh political tensions within the party structure.
Several supporters believe the crisis could have been avoided if the party had managed its internal affairs with greater transparency, fairness, and broader consultation among stakeholders.
According to concerns being raised within various political camps, what should have been an open and inclusive process was allegedly driven by personal interests and future political calculations, creating frustration among loyal party members across the state.
The emergence of former governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar as a leading figure in the current political arrangement has particularly generated mixed reactions among party supporters.
Many members argue that rather than strengthening confidence within the party, the development has deepened internal divisions and accelerated defections from different political structures.
Supporters also expressed concern that the party may be ignoring changing political realities and public expectations within the state.
One of the most controversial developments remains the perceived sidelining of Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who many party loyalists viewed as a strong political force capable of rebuilding public confidence in the party.
To many supporters, Tuggar represented a bridge between the older political establishment and a younger generation seeking fresh leadership within the APC.
His supporters point to his diplomatic experience, national visibility, intellectual appeal, youth connection, and growing grassroots acceptance as qualities that could have strengthened the party’s chances politically.
However, many now believe that merit, popularity, and broad acceptability were sacrificed for personal political interests and short-term calculations.
Political observers within the party also fear that the current arrangement may have been designed more around individual ambitions than the long-term stability and survival of the APC in Bauchi State.
The growing perception surrounding these political calculations, many believe, has contributed significantly to the widening crisis currently facing the party.
Across several local government areas, signs of dissatisfaction are becoming increasingly visible.
Influential stakeholders are reportedly defecting, grassroots coordinators are withdrawing support, youth mobilizers are expressing frustration, while local party structures continue to weaken under mounting internal pressure.
Party loyalists warn that the situation is becoming more dangerous because the APC is not only losing supporters but also creating political opponents driven by disappointment, exclusion, and anger.
According to many members, some of those leaving the party are not ordinary supporters but individuals with established political structures, loyal followership, electoral value, and considerable influence within their communities.
Observers say every defection weakens confidence among remaining members while simultaneously strengthening rival political platforms within the state.
Many party stakeholders insist that the crisis remains largely self-inflicted, warning that no political party can survive for long while sidelining committed members and ignoring growing internal dissatisfaction.
They argue that sustainable political growth depends on inclusion, consultation, mutual respect, and recognition of those who contribute significantly to building party structures.
The situation, according to several concerned members, is gradually creating a sharp divide between those focused on protecting the future of the party and those perceived to be protecting personal political interests.
This growing bitterness, they warn, may take years to repair if urgent reconciliation efforts are not initiated immediately.
Many supporters who once defended the APC passionately are now openly questioning their future within the party, while others have reportedly begun aligning with alternative political movements.
Political analysts within the state maintain that no political party grows stronger by alienating some of its strongest assets, nor can any political structure survive while continuously creating internal enemies.
They also stress that parties seeking electoral victory must prioritize credible, acceptable, and broadly supported candidates capable of uniting supporters and attracting wider public confidence.
Consequently, concerned stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention by both the state and national leadership of the All Progressives Congress to prevent the crisis from worsening.
Many believe the party must urgently recognize the strategic political value of leaders such as Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, whose influence and acceptance are still considered important to the future strength of the APC in Bauchi State.
With defections reportedly increasing and frustration continuing to spread across various political camps, party members warn that time may be running out for meaningful reconciliation.
For many loyal supporters, the challenge before APC Bauchi is now clear — whether to rebuild unity and strengthen the party’s future or continue counting its political losses.
