Seven candidates compete for the Bauchi APC governorship nomination as Senator Buba exits the race

Seven candidates are vying for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship nomination in Bauchi State, with the party’s primary scheduled for today, May 21, 2026.

The contest is expected to be influenced by zoning and regional balance, particularly the pressure from Bauchi North to shift power from Bauchi South, which has held the governorship since 1999.

Stakeholders from Katagum, Misau and Jama’are argue that Bauchi North has been sidelined for decades despite its contributions. The zone last produced a governor more than 40 years ago, during the tenure of the late Abubakar Tatari Ali between 1979 and 1983 before the military coup ended the Second Republic.

Nevertheless, Bauchi South retains a strong advantage, controlling about 63 percent of the state’s votes.

Among the leading contenders is Yusuf Tuggar, who is seen as relying on the North’s push for a power shift. He has strong federal connections and diplomatic experience, but analysts say his grassroots structures are weak.

Another strong contender is Bala Wunti, a Bauchi South native. He is gaining support through philanthropy, scholarships and youth empowerment programmes. Supporters view him as a technocrat with development ideas, although he is still building a solid political base.

Former governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, also from Bauchi South, is a major contender. He ruled the state from 2015 to 2019 and still enjoys strong support from political allies and beneficiaries of his administration. His experience remains a key advantage.

He is believed to have backing from key stakeholders, including the Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and former Governor Isa Yuguda.

Other aspirants include Dr Nura Manu Soro, the only candidate from Bauchi Central; Alhaji Kabiru Baba Maji; Baba Abubakar Sulaiman; and Yakubu Abdullahi, popularly known as Sarkin Shanu Bauchi. Political observers say they have weaker visibility and structures compared to the frontrunners.

Analysts note that Dr Nura Manu Soro may face a tough challenge due to limited structure, while Alhaji Kabiru Baba Maji, a retired NSITF General Manager, is not seen as a frontline contender.

The same applies to Baba Abubakar Sulaiman, a former Minority Leader of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, who currently serves as Special Assistant to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate.

Yakubu Abdullahi, a former Commissioner for Commerce and ex‑SURE‑P director, is also in the race but has limited statewide reach.

The primary has already sparked debate within the APC, with some aspirants rejecting consensus arrangements and insisting on direct primaries to ensure a fair and transparent selection process.

Meanwhile, Senator Shehu Buba Umar has withdrawn from the race, citing alleged irregularities in the party’s primary process.