A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress i(APC) n Bauchi State, Comrade Aliyu Ilelah, has described members of the party’s caucus who rejected the admission of Governor Bala Mohammed as self-centred politicians working against the party’s chances in the 2027 general election.
Ilelah made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing journalists in Bauchi.
The PUNCH reports that a caucus of APC stalwarts led by Senator Samaila Dahuwa had earlier rejected moves to admit the Bauchi State governor into the party ahead of the 2027 polls.
Reacting, Ilelah described the caucus’ stance as “curious” and driven by bitterness and personal interests, rather than the collective success of the APC.
He said, “It is disrespectful to the leadership of the party and Mr President because while the President and the APC national leadership are reaching out to the governor, the so-called caucus is busy attempting to shut the door against him. The party does not belong to them alone.”
The APC chieftain further alleged that some members of the caucus were habitual defectors who switch parties after losing primaries, noting that some had previously moved from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC without consultation.
He warned that such actions could jeopardise the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Ilelah added that a majority of APC supporters in Bauchi were in favour of Governor Mohammed joining the party, pledging their loyalty and support if he defects.
“We love and endorse President Tinubu’s second-term bid, yet we oppose the decision of a few caucus members trying to block a sitting governor who could serve as one of the President’s strongest electoral assets, not only in Bauchi State,” he said.
He stressed that no serious political party would ignore the numerical strength and influence a sitting governor could bring, noting that such a move could significantly impact electoral outcomes.
According to him, the decision of the caucus highlights a growing disconnect between its members, the people, and the President’s national vision.
Ilelah cautioned that any political strategy that alienates Bauchi’s sitting governor would be “short-sighted and dangerous” to the party’s national interest.
