By Nwamulunamma Ogbunka
Abuja
The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Bauchi State is facing one of the most critical moments in its political history, with growing confusion, internal resentment, and massive defections replacing what should have been a period of consolidation and strategic preparation.
Many loyal supporters believe the crisis was avoidable and stems from the party’s failure to manage internal affairs with fairness, openness, and genuine consultation. Instead of a transparent process, party members say decisions appeared driven by personal interests and future political calculations.
The party is now paying the price. Stakeholders say the emergence of M.A. Abubakar has not generated renewed confidence but has instead deepened divisions, increased frustration, and accelerated defections across different party structures. Critics argue he lacks the political strength, energy, and widespread acceptance needed to confront the opposition in the current climate.
A major flashpoint is the political sidelining of prominent aspirants such as Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar. To thousands of APC loyalists, Tuggar represented a modern political force with national visibility, diplomatic experience, youth appeal, intellectual strength, and growing grassroots acceptance. He was seen as hope for a new generation of APC politics in Bauchi.
Supporters now feel that merit, popularity, and acceptability were sacrificed for personal political arrangements. Many perceive the entire strategy as built around short-term interests rather than the party’s long-term survival, with speculation that it was designed to return a former governor for one term while setting the stage for another ambition afterward.
The damage is already visible. APC Bauchi is no longer just losing members but is creating political opponents motivated by disappointment, anger, and exclusion. Across the state, influential stakeholders are defecting, grassroots coordinators are withdrawing loyalty, youth supporters are frustrated, local structures are weakening, and silent resentment is spreading.
The situation is worsened by the fact that those leaving are not ordinary members. They include individuals with political structures, loyal followership, electoral value, and influence in their communities. Each defection weakens confidence among remaining supporters and strengthens rival platforms.
Political observers note that most of the crises are self-inflicted. They argue that a party cannot sideline committed stakeholders, ignore growing dissatisfaction, and expect unity to survive. Inclusion, consultation, and respect for contributors are seen as essential to political survival.
The party now appears divided between those protecting its future and those protecting personal interests. This has created bitterness that may take years to repair, with many once-passionate defenders now questioning their place, while others have already moved on politically.
Party leaders are being urged to intervene urgently before the situation becomes irreversible. The call is for both state and national APC leadership to act immediately and recognize the strategic value of leaders like Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar. With defections increasing and frustration growing, APC Bauchi must decide quickly whether to build a united future or continue counting the losses.
