Why we’re not leaving APC despite disappointments — Bauchi Assembly aspirants

From Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

​Some defeated aspirants from the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections for the Bauchi State House of Assembly have revealed why they are staying with the party despite their grievances.
​Operating under the aegis of the Bauchi State House of Assembly 2026 APC Aspirants Forum, the aggrieved politicians stated during a press briefing in Bauchi that they have chosen internal reconciliation over defection.
​Rather than abandoning the APC, the forum explained that its members are committed to seeking redress through constructive engagement and dialogue within the party’s internal structures to resolve the fallout from the primaries.
The aspirants expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as neglect and exclusion by the party following their defeat.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Honourable Gazali Wunti said the forum’s intervention was not borne out of bitterness or hostility towards the party but was motivated by a desire to strengthen the APC ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
He said, many aspirants and their supporters were deeply disappointed by the conduct and outcome of the primaries, which they claimed fell short of expectations of a truly competitive and democratic process.
“This press conference is not a product of bitterness, hostility or opposition to our great party. It is motivated by our sincere desire to see the APC emerge stronger and better positioned to secure victory in the forthcoming general elections,” Wunti said.
He said that the aftermath of the primaries had triggered a wave of defections, with several aspirants leaving the APC for other political parties due to grievances arising from the exercise.
Wunti described the development as a significant loss to the party, adding that members of the forum deliberately chose to remain within the APC and seek redress through constructive engagement rather than abandoning the party.
He commended the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and the National Working Committee for initiating a review of the primary election process.
Gazali said, the decision demonstrated the leadership’s awareness of the potential consequences of unresolved grievances on the party’s electoral fortunes.
The forum, advised the party leadership to ensure that the review process is transparent, thorough and fair, stressing that genuine complaints should be addressed to pave the way for reconciliation.