Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the Abia Central Senatorial District, have denounced the Senatorial primary in the zone, saying they will not accept the reported farcical display of brigandage as the will of the people.

In a letter of protest to the national leadership of the APC, titled “Irregularities, Brigandage, and Breach of Electoral Process in Abia Central Senatorial Primary, the stakeholders said it was painful that a few individuals hijacked the process and denied party faithful the opportunity to nominate their representatives. 

The protesters, led by Uche Onyejekwe and Mrs Ego Nwamuo, recalled that when the direct primary option was chosen for the nomination of candidates for the Abia Central Senatorial Zone of Abia State, they heaved a sigh of relief as party faithful, believing that at last they had an opportunity to have a say in how their flag bearers would emerge for the 2027 general election.

However, the stakeholders expressed regret, saying, “We regret to inform you that the party lost a golden opportunity to advertise its commitment to internal democracy and citizen inclusivity. At the end of what would have been a day for celebration of plurality, it became obvious that some desperate and overzealous politicians who insist on the old ways of impunity and gangster strategies hijacked the process and allocated votes, even in wards where no actual balloting took place.

“In the light of the foregoing, we humbly appeal to your good offices to investigate the breach of process and illegal exclusion of party faithful in the Abia Central Senatorial Primary Election of May 18, 2026.

“We are confident that a diligent investigation of this claim will warrant the review of the outcome of the primary and a repeat of the process in areas with no evidence of public participation,” the aggrieved protesters stated.

The protesters further disclosed that no member of the Seven-man APC National Assembly Primary Election Committee, INEC officials, and security personnel arrived in most wards, and in some local governments, stressing that APC members were surprised to hear that results were later announced with various fictitious figures allocated to candidates as if a transparent exercise had taken place. 

They added, “We are convinced and make bold to say that there was a predetermined outcome from the beginning, given that figures were allegedly written and allocated behind closed doors. The confusion deepened when Hon. Emeka Atumah was eventually announced as the winner of the primary with outrageous and bewildering figures.

“It was surprising that such figures could be allocated when it was quite evident that there was no semblance of an election in most wards. We demand video evidence from anybody who would claim otherwise. Because, from Oloko Ward 2, Usaka Ward, Osisioma Wards 2, 3, 8, and 9, and Okporo Ahaba Ward 1, and most other wards, there is an abundance of evidence to show that party members who gathered very early, waited throughout the day, without any accreditation, officials or voting. 

“The only thing we heard was that some already prepared results were announced to the public by one Hon Thomas Nkoro, who was not a member of the Seven-man Committee from the APC Headquarters, Abuja. We humbly invite the National Leadership of our great party to cross-check if any Thomas Nkoro was sent to announce the results of a primary election that did not hold,” the protesters demanded. 

The protesters said that party faithful across various wards in Abia Central Senatorial District are prepared to testify in person and attest that no primary election was held in their areas, particularly: OLOKO WARD 2, Usaka ward in Ikwuano L.G.A; Ward 2 Osisioma LGA; Ntighauzo primary school; Okporo Ahaba ward 1; Osisioma Ngwa Ward 8.

The stakeholders prayed the leadership of the APC to apply its discretionary powers to fish out the perpetrators of the confusion for necessary sanctions and resolve the impasse in the best interest of the party.

Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has dumped the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP.

DAILY POST reports that the defection followed his withdrawal from the APC governorship primary in Bauchi State, where he alleged irregularities and violations of the party’s guidelines.

Announcing his resignation from the ruling party on Sunday, the lawmaker attributed his decision to what he described as lack of internal democracy, unfair treatment of members and growing disregard for the views of grassroots supporters.

Buba said his exit from the APC came after wide consultations with political associates, youth groups, women groups, party stakeholders and supporters across Bauchi South and other parts of the state.

He described the PRP as a platform founded on justice, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness and people-oriented leadership.

According to him, his decision to join the opposition party is aimed at deepening democratic governance, protecting the interests of the people and ensuring responsive representation for Bauchi residents.

The senator said democracy could only flourish where political parties uphold fairness, equal opportunity and allow members to participate actively in decision-making.

He said, “The time has come for patriotic leaders to unite and rescue the country from poverty, unemployment, insecurity, economic hardship and poor governance.

“Our people deserve better governance, better opportunities and leadership that truly listens to their concerns. Politics should be about service, justice, development and improving the living conditions of the masses.”

Buba reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing policies and programmes targeted at improving the welfare of ordinary citizens.

He also urged his supporters and political allies to join him in what he described as the collective struggle for good governance, social justice, accountability and sustainable development in Bauchi State.

The senator assured the people of Bauchi of his continued commitment to their progress, unity and development, pledging to provide purposeful leadership and effective representation.

The Bauchi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has thrown its weight behind former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Bauchi on Sunday, where party leaders described Atiku as a seasoned politician with the experience needed to tackle Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

Speaking at the gathering, the Bauchi ADC Chairman, Shu’aibu Dankama, said the decision followed consultations among party stakeholders who believe Atiku remains a strong figure capable of leading the country.

According to him, “the endorsement reflects confidence in Atiku’s leadership qualities and ability to restore hope to Nigerians amid rising inflation, unemployment, insecurity and hardship across the country”.

He urged party members to remain united, disciplined and committed as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to gather momentum.