A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi state, Comrade Aliyu Abdullahi Ilelah, has criticised party stakeholders opposing the planned defection of Governor Bala Mohammed to the APC.
He described those opposed to it as self-centered politicians working against President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Ilelah stated this Thursday in Bauchi while addressing journalists on the position of a Bauchi APC caucus reportedly led by Senator Samaila Dahuwa, representing Bauchi North, which opposed moves to admit the governor into the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He described the caucus’ stance as “Curious, bitter and driven by personal interests,” arguing that such opposition undermines the collective goal of strengthening the APC for future elections.
He said it is disrespectful to the party’s national leadership and President Bola Tinubu, especially at a time when efforts are being made at the national level to attract the governor into the party.
“While the president and APC leadership are reaching out to the governor, some individuals are busy trying to shut the door against him. The party does not belong to a few people,” Ilelah said.
He accused some members of the caucus of pursuing personal ambitions, adding that many of them had previously switched political parties after losing primary elections and defected into the APC without broad consultations.
Ilelah warned that such actions could harm President Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 elections, adding that excluding a sitting governor with significant political influence would be a costly mistake.
He stated that the majority of APC supporters in Bauchi state favour the governor’s defection and are willing to support him if he joins the party.
“We support President Tinubu’s second term bid, but we reject attempts by a few individuals to block a sitting governor who could become one of the president’s strongest electoral assets, not just in Bauchi state but beyond,” he added.
