The senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Buba, has reportedly defected from the All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Redemption Party following his withdrawal from the APC governorship race in Bauchi State.
The development is expected to reshape the political landscape in Bauchi ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially within the opposition ranks where internal disagreements have continued to trigger realignments and defections.
The senator’s reported exit from the APC comes just days after he publicly announced his withdrawal from the party’s governorship contest, alleging widespread irregularities and constitutional violations in the conduct of the primaries.
In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Sabo Muhammad, Senator Buba accused certain party officials of compromising the integrity of the primary election process by allegedly manipulating results and sidelining genuine democratic procedures.
According to the statement, some APC officials failed to appear at designated voting centres during the primaries but allegedly announced predetermined results from undisclosed locations within Bauchi State.
“The party officials have practically been hijacked by persons who do not mean well for the party, having allowed themselves to be caged at undisclosed hotels in Bauchi State without appearing at the elections’ venues but releasing predetermined results,” the statement read.
The senator described the situation as a betrayal of democratic values and warned that such actions could weaken the credibility and unity of the party in the state.
Sources close to the lawmaker said the decision to leave the APC followed extensive consultations with political associates, supporters and stakeholders across Bauchi South and other parts of the state.
The sources revealed that Buba had become increasingly dissatisfied with developments within the APC structure in Bauchi, particularly regarding what he allegedly viewed as a lack of transparency and fairness in internal party processes.
Although the senator has yet to make an elaborate public declaration detailing his future political plans within the PRP, political observers believe the defection could strengthen the smaller opposition party ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The move is also expected to intensify political competition in Bauchi State, where the APC has struggled in recent years to regain control from rival political forces.
Supporters of Senator Buba reportedly welcomed the defection, arguing that the lawmaker’s decision was driven by principles and his desire to protect democratic integrity within the state’s political environment.
Some loyalists claimed that the senator remained committed to offering credible leadership and could still pursue his governorship ambition under his new political platform.
Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail the allegations raised against the APC primary process in Bauchi State.
Several party members have privately expressed concern over the growing internal crisis, warning that unresolved disputes could further divide the party and weaken its electoral chances ahead of the governorship election.
Political analysts say internal disagreements arising from party primaries remain one of the biggest challenges facing major political parties in Nigeria, with allegations of manipulation, imposition and lack of internal democracy often leading to defections and legal battles.
The controversy surrounding the Bauchi APC governorship primaries has further highlighted ongoing tensions within state chapters of political parties as aspirants jostle for influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
Observers note that defections by high-profile politicians such as Senator Buba could alter existing political alliances and encourage further movement of politicians across party lines in the coming months.
The PRP, which has maintained a relatively modest political presence nationally, may also benefit from the senator’s grassroots influence and political structure in Bauchi South Senatorial District.
Founded on the ideological legacy of the late Aminu Kano, the PRP has historically positioned itself as a party focused on social justice and grassroots mobilisation, particularly in parts of northern Nigeria.
Analysts believe Senator Buba’s entry into the party could revive its visibility in Bauchi politics and potentially attract more dissatisfied politicians from larger parties.
Despite the controversy, the APC leadership in Bauchi State has yet to officially respond to the senator’s allegations regarding the conduct of the primaries.
Party insiders, however, insist that the primaries were conducted in accordance with party guidelines and electoral regulations.
The unfolding political drama has already heightened political tension across Bauchi State as parties begin early preparations for the next governorship contest.
Residents and political stakeholders are expected to closely monitor how Senator Buba’s defection influences alliances, campaign strategies and voter sentiments in the months ahead.
For many observers, the latest development reflects the deepening struggle for political control in Bauchi State and underscores the continuing importance of transparent and credible party primaries in Nigeria’s democratic process.
