APC Chieftain Demands Direct Primaries in Bauchi, Says M. A. Abubakar Is Unelectable
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alwan Hassan, has called on the President and the leadership of the party to conduct what he described as “proper and transparent” direct primaries in Bauchi State, insisting that former governor Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar cannot deliver electoral victory for the party in the state.
Speaking during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television with Seun Okinbaloye, Hassan alleged that the APC primaries process in Bauchi was manipulated and did not reflect the wishes of party members.
According to him, while presidential primaries across most parts of the country were conducted smoothly, the situation in Bauchi was different because of what he described as attempts to impose an “anointed candidate” on the party.
“Not every part of Nigeria had the issues that Bauchi had. The presidential primaries were conducted well. In Bauchi’s case, we had a so-called anointed candidate coming out to say he was the consensus candidate,” Hassan said.
He further alleged that individuals claiming to be the Bauchi State Governorship Committee later announced that a primaries election had taken place despite what he maintained was the absence of any voting exercise.
“There was no primaries, nobody lined up and nobody was counted,” he stated, adding that even the party chairman had reportedly clarified that state chapters were not empowered to announce results.
Hassan accused the Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate, of influencing the situation in Bauchi and allegedly persuading President Tinubui to stay away from the state’s political process.
“It was Ali Pate that told the President to take his hands off Bauchi State. I have this from first-hand sources,” he alleged.
He also rejected claims that Buhari had endorsed Muhammad Abubakar, insisting that the former President never publicly backed the ex-governor.
“The President did not endorse Muhammad Abubakar,” he said.
The APC chieftain warned that the party risks losing Bauchi State if it proceeds with Abubakar as its candidate, arguing that the former governor lacks electoral acceptance among the people.
“Muhammad Abubakar cannot win elections in Bauchi State. Bauchi people defied Buhari and kicked him out. This would not change,” Hassan stated.
He further claimed that the party was already witnessing internal cracks, noting that two senators had allegedly defected from the APC.
Expressing support for direct primaries, Hassan said none of the aspirants in the state had agreed to step down for Abubakar, making a consensus arrangement inappropriate.
“Let me be clear: I am in favour of direct primaries. None of the aspirants have signed any agreements to withdraw for Muhammad Abubakar. If there is no consensus, then let us have direct primaries in Bauchi State. Else, we have lost the state,” he said.
Hassan also questioned the political influence of Ali Pate within the APC structure in Bauchi, arguing that he lacked the electoral standing to determine the party’s direction in the state.
“In the last election he contested the primaries and got only one vote. How can that person be the leader of Bauchi State?” he queried.
Offering what he described as advice to the President and the APC leadership, Hassan called for consultations with stakeholders across the state and the conduct of what he termed a free and fair primary election capable of producing a widely accepted candidate.
“The way forward for Bauchi State is for the President to call all the leaders in the state, speak to them, ask them questions on who the best candidate is and advise the party to conduct a free and fair primaries that will elect a popular candidate,” he said.
He reiterated his warning that presenting Muhammad Abubakar as the APC candidate would jeopardise the party’s chances in the state.
“If he is on the ticket, we will lose the election,” Hassan added.
