By Rauf Oyewole
Bauchi State Chapter of Allied Peoples Movement, a ruling party in the state, might drop more candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This followed the wave of withdrawal of members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, who are seeking reelection. A member representing Itas/Gadau Constituency, Hon. Yu3e4suf Abdullahi Itas, has withdrawn from the 2027 election for the constituency.
Last month, Hon Musa Wakili Nakwada, a member representing Bogoro Constituency in the House, suddenly withdrew from his third term ambition. Nakwada did not state why he abandoned the race having secured the party ticket but constituents said that acceptability and reelection chances were slim, prompting a series of complaints and pressure on to withdraw from the race.
Observers believed that APM might be having serious internal cracks or political restructuring ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While the two lawmakers did not give reasons for their decision, they have remained in the party and still attend the party related public functions.
In his letter, Abdullahi stated that: “I write to give notice of my withdrawal as Allied Peoples’ Movement candidate for Itas/Gadau State Constituency seat in the Bauchi State House of Assembly in the forthcoming 2027 General Election, having been duly nominated by our great party.”
He described the decision as entirely voluntary and personal, while expressing appreciation to the leadership and members of the party for the opportunity to serve under its platform.
“I am therefore grateful to the Party’s leadership and members for the opportunity to represent the Party and for the confidence placed in me. I equally appreciate the encouragement and support of the people of Itas/Gadau State Constituency,” he said.
A member of the party executive who pleaded to be anonymous said that “even more” will still withdraw from the race. When asked what is happening in the party, the source said that, “It’s a collective and unanimous decision including candidates that withdrew to balance some political calculations, especially zoning, popularity and acceptance.”
The source said further that the party is: “Still looking closely to have better choices for formidable (candidates in order to achieve) victory.”
