A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, has withdrawn from the party’s governorship primary election scheduled for May 21, 2026, citing alleged irregularities and violations of electoral guidelines.

In a press release issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Comrade Sabo Muhammad, on Wednesday, the senator said his withdrawal was made under protest following what he described as breaches of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, the APC Constitution 2022 as amended, and the party’s electoral guidelines.

The lawmaker, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District in the Senate, alleged that the APC primary process in the state lacked transparency and credibility.

According to the statement, Senator Buba said the party had been engulfed in a leadership crisis involving key positions within the state executive committee, including the offices of the state secretary and organising secretary.

He alleged that party officials were “hijacked” by individuals who allegedly released predetermined results without conducting proper elections at designated venues.

The statement further claimed that no clear information was provided regarding electoral officials, venues for the primaries, collation centres, and distribution of election materials.

“Literally speaking, no election takes place, and no electoral official is seen anywhere in Bauchi State for the conduct of 2026 primary elections,” the statement read.

Senator Buba also lamented what he described as unfair treatment within the party despite his contributions to the APC in Bauchi State over the years.

He maintained that democracy could not thrive where laws and guidelines were disregarded, adding that his decision to withdraw was taken after consultations with supporters, stakeholders, political associates, family members and friends.

The senator urged his supporters and sympathisers to remain calm and steadfast despite the development.

Recall that the recent House of Representatives and Senate primary elections conducted two to three days ago raised many questions about the exercise across the 20 local government areas of the state, with all the aspirants claiming victory, while others condemned the process and the announcement of results by the electoral committee.