By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has been advised not to impose candidates on the party ahead of the 2027 general elections across the country but should allow members and the public to choose their preferred candidates.
The advice was given by two political pressure groups, Think-Tank Group for the Dream Bauchi Project , and Lawyers for the Cause of Bauchi, during a joint Press Conference, held in Bauchi on Monday.
The groups further advised that the race should be made opened to every eligible Aspirant and let a credible open directs and competitive political process take place during the primaries.
The Chairman of Think Thank, Professor. Musa Muhammad Kirfi
and Deputy Coordinator of Lawyers, Barrister Mahmood M. Maidoki (Esq.), jointly signed the document, presented by Professor Musa Muhammad Kirfi.
The groups insisted on a fair and open contest for all aspirants which they claimed will strengthen the Party more in the State and reduce rancour aftermath of the primaries.
The groups also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, along with the entire party leadership, for their commitment to party unity and for resisting what it described as attempts at defection by Governor Bala Mohammed into the party.
The groups further said that the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi not to join the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections was not commendable, adding that the governor was “not welcome” in the APC.
The two groups stated that, “Like many APC sympathizers and supporters in Bauchi State and across the country, we welcome the decision of the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad and the PDP in Bauchi State to jettison their plan of joining the APC.”
According to them,”Politically speaking, Bauchi state needs a new break from the old and narrow arrangement because Bauchi state deserves more than this. Reducing the political conversation to only APC, PDP options is not in the best interest of the state.”
They added that,”The political space as well as conversation should be richer, offering more options and one that reflects what the people want. With the 2027 elections a matter of months away, there are certainly more serious issues to be attended to than the topic of defection across political parties.”
“But as already pointed out, Distinguished Senator Shehu Buba represents uncommon advantage in constructing both the fortunes and future of the state. This justifies our confidence that his emergence means more to all of us than ever,” they added.
The groups stressed that,”There is no doubt that Shehu Buba personifies good reputation, a complete departure from what obtains in our political environment where most leaders insist on being identified as what they are no. Shehu is the man to watch and Bauchi is solidly behind the people\`s only and most formidable choice come 2027.”
According to them,”What we need in APC now are politicians with quintessential attributes and capability to add value to the process that promotes greatest happiness of the greatest number and not those whose career is confined to the law of diminishing returns.”
The groups then thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for listening to the concerns of party members who from the word go, voiced opposition to Governor Bala joining the party.
“We are equally saying well done to the National Chairman of APC Prof Nentawe Yilwatda and the entire leadership for standing by members of the party and the people of Bauchi State on this matter. For standing by the truth and justice on this issue, you have made the party more popular in the State,” they stated.
According to them, “The people of Bauchi state are highly socialized and matured politically so when the time comes, we shall say thank you. All we are asking for, is let the momentum be sustained and victory is assured by God’s grace.”
The groups, comprising men and women, unanimously endorsed the governorship aspiration of Senator Shehu Usman Buba for the 2027 elections in the state.
According to the groups, the Senator’s performance in the Nigerian Senate, his educational background as a Doctoral researcher, his relatively young age, political experience at both national and local levels, and his commitment to the development of Bauchi State and its people make him the best candidate.
The groups stated that: “We are supporting his aspiration for the above-stated reasons. We are confident that if there is any politician of Bauchi State extraction capable of transforming our adversity into advantage, it is Shehu Buba.”
They explained that his candidature would guarantee victory for the APC in Bauchi State, with positive implications for the party’s national outlook.
“Distinguished Shehu Buba Umar is a legitimate politics personified, the very reason Bauchi state people see him as a symbol of unity, progress, and inclusive development,” The groups added.
According to the groups, “As intellectuals and groups that are guided by facts, verifiable information and commitment to the collective progress of Bauchi State, we shall continue to partner with Senator Buba and other politicians of goodwill towards delivering the forthcoming mandate at the Governorship and other levels.”
They stressed that,”To take Bauchi to the desired level of progress and development, all hands have to be on deck. We pray that may Almighty Allah makes it easy, possible and fruitful for all.”
Women members of the groups
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