By Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu (Bauchi State Correspondent)
A political pressure group, the Think-Tank Group in Bauchi State, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for maintaining party unity and resisting what it described as alleged moves by Governor Bala Mohammed to defect to the ruling party.
The group also urged the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to adopt the Option A4 system or direct primaries in the conduct of the party’s forthcoming primary elections.
The position was contained in a joint statement by the group’s Chairman, Prof. Musa Muhammad Kirfi, and Deputy Coordinator, Barr. Mahmood M. Maidoki, during a press briefing held in Bauchi State.
The group however lauded the party’s national leadership for what it termed a firm stance in safeguarding the APC’s internal cohesion, while noting that the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi not to join the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections was commendable.
It added that Governor Bala Mohammed was “not welcome” in the APC.
The group also announced its unanimous endorsement of Senator Shehu Usman Buba as its preferred governorship candidate for the 2027 elections in Bauchi State.
According to the statement, the senator’s performance in the National Assembly, academic credentials, political experience, and commitment to the development of the state make him a suitable candidate.
“We are supporting his aspiration for these reasons. We are confident that he has the capacity to transform the challenges of Bauchi State into opportunities,” the statement said.
It further expressed optimism that his candidature would boost the APC’s chances of winning the governorship election in the state and strengthen the party’s national prospects.
Meanwhile, the endorsement came shortly after the Bauchi State Chairman of the PDP, Pharmacy Sama’ila Burga, reaffirmed the party’s decision not to join the APC.
Burga stated that the PDP had concluded all discussions on possible alignment with the APC, adding that the party remains open to alliances with other political parties, excluding the ruling party, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We remain committed to responsible leadership, inclusive governance, and the continued progress of our dear state,” he said. NNL.
