The immediate past Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, has purchased the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state.
Abubakar, a former governor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said the decision reflected his commitment to the APC’s internal procedures and democratic principles.
The development comes as activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum within the ruling party, with aspirants across states beginning early consultations and positioning ahead of party primaries. Recent reports also confirmed that Abubakar and other Bauchi APC aspirants obtained forms ahead of the party’s primary election.
Speaking after obtaining the forms, Abubakar said his move was in line with the party’s laid-down rules.
He said, “This step reflects my disciplined adherence to the party’s established processes and my unwavering belief in the internal democratic mechanisms of the APC.”
The former governor added that he remained fully aligned with the party’s position on the method to be adopted in selecting its governorship candidates, whether through consensus or direct primary.
However, he expressed a preference for the consensus method, saying it would help promote unity within the party.
He said, “I reiterate my full alignment with the party’s official position on the adoption of either consensus or direct primaries. But for the consensus method in selecting governorship candidates, it will help to promote internal unity, minimise the high costs and logistical challenges of direct primaries, and reduce the risk of litigation and defections by aggrieved aspirants because it produces the right candidates by aligning with popular will.”
Abubakar urged other contenders in the race to embrace dialogue and work towards producing a single candidate acceptable to members of the party.
According to him, reaching an agreement before the primary would help the APC avoid internal divisions that could weaken its chances in the general election.
He said the party must guard against post-primary factions by ensuring that aspirants and stakeholders work together in the interest of the APC.
“I am confident that this approach will further deepen participatory democracy, strengthen party cohesion, and give every member a sense of ownership in the emergence of candidates,” he said.
Abubakar also reaffirmed his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the APC at both the national and state levels.
He thanked party stakeholders, loyalists, and supporters for their continued backing, promising to justify their confidence if given the mandate.
The governorship hopeful pledged to focus on legacy projects and development programmes if elected as the next governor of Bauchi State.
Naijaonpoint recalls that Abubakar served as governor of Bauchi State between 2015 and 2019.
