In a significant political development in Bauchi State, two All Progressives Congress (APC) senators, Shehu Buba Umar and Sama’ila Dahuwa, have officially defected from the party to join the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). This move is reportedly a direct consequence of their dissatisfaction with the APC’s selection of former Governor Mohammed Abubakar as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming elections.
Senator Buba Umar, who had harbored ambitions to contest the APC’s governorship ticket himself, expressed profound disappointment with the party’s internal decision-making process, which he felt sidelined more deserving candidates. His defection, alongside that of Senator Dahuwa, signals a substantial blow to the APC’s standing in Bauchi State and highlights internal rifts within the party. The PRP, a lesser-known political entity in the state, now stands to gain considerable political capital from the influx of these prominent figures.
The departure of two senators is a clear indication of deep-seated disagreements within the APC’s leadership and its candidate selection mechanisms. Political analysts suggest that this move could significantly alter the political landscape in Bauchi State, potentially strengthening the PRP’s position and weakening the APC’s electoral prospects. The choice of Mohammed Abubakar as the APC governorship candidate has clearly proven to be a contentious one, alienating key figures within the party who felt their aspirations or the party’s broader interests were not adequately considered.
This political realignment is expected to trigger further shifts and realignments in Bauchi State politics as other political actors reassess their allegiances in light of these defections. The PRP, by attracting prominent defectors from a major national party like the APC, positions itself as a credible alternative for voters disillusioned with the established political order. The coming days will likely see further statements from the defecting senators and from the leadership of both the APC and the PRP, shedding more light on the motivations behind this significant political maneuver and its potential ramifications for the state’s political future.
The defections underscore the volatile nature of Nigerian politics, where internal party democracy and candidate nomination processes often lead to significant schisms. The APC will now face the challenge of consolidating its support base and addressing the grievances that led to the departure of Senators Umar and Dahuwa. Meanwhile, the PRP will look to leverage this momentum to build a stronger electoral platform and challenge the dominance of the larger parties in Bauchi State.
Source: Nigerian Affairs Journal
Nigerian Affairs Journal: BREAKING: APC loses two senators in Bauchi State as Senator Shehu Buba Umar and Senator Sama’ila Dahuwa defect to the PRP over the choice of former Governor Mohammed Abubakar as the APC governorship candidate in the state. Senator Buba, who planned to contest the APC. #breaking
— @NigAffairs May 1, 2026
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