Several aspirants who contested in the recently concluded All Progressives Congress primary election for seats in the Bauchi State House of Assembly have expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as neglect and exclusion by the party following their defeat.
The aggrieved aspirants, operating under the banner of the Bauchi State House of Assembly 2026 APC Aspirants Forum, made their position known during a press briefing held in Bauchi on Monday.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Gazali Wunti said the forum’s intervention was not borne out of bitterness or hostility towards the party but was motivated by a desire to strengthen the APC ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
According to him, many aspirants and their supporters were deeply disappointed by the conduct and outcome of the primaries, which they claimed fell short of expectations of a truly competitive and democratic process.
“This press conference is not a product of bitterness, hostility or opposition to our great party. It is motivated by our sincere desire to see the APC emerge stronger and better positioned to secure victory in the forthcoming general elections,” Wunti said.
He noted that the aftermath of the primaries had triggered a wave of defections, with several aspirants leaving the APC for other political parties due to grievances arising from the exercise.
Wunti described the development as a significant loss to the party, adding that members of the forum deliberately chose to remain within the APC and seek redress through constructive engagement rather than abandoning the party.
He commended the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and the National Working Committee for initiating a review of the primary election process.
According to him, the decision demonstrated the leadership’s awareness of the potential consequences of unresolved grievances on the party’s electoral fortunes.
The forum, however, urged the party leadership to ensure that the review process is transparent, thorough and fair, stressing that genuine complaints should be addressed to pave the way for reconciliation.
“We respectfully urge that the review process be thorough, transparent, courageous and just. Let genuine grievances be fairly heard and appropriately addressed because that can birth genuine reconciliation,” he said.
The aspirants also called on the APC leadership to reach out to aggrieved members and supporters affected by the primaries in order to restore confidence and unity within the party.
They further demanded greater inclusion in party affairs, campaign structures, consultations, appointments and decision-making processes at both state and federal levels.
“Our demand is not for favours but for inclusion, fairness, recognition and justice, which are the hallmarks upon which any united political party is built,” Wunti stated.
Despite their grievances, the forum reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC and pledged to work for the party’s success in the next elections.
The group warned, however, that continued neglect could further weaken party cohesion, insisting that unity, inclusiveness, fairness and justice remain essential to the APC’s chances of securing electoral victory.
“We remain committed to working tirelessly for the victory of our great party in the forthcoming general elections. Our message is centred on inclusiveness, genuine reconciliation, recognition, unity, fairness and justice,” Wunti added.
The aspirants expressed optimism that the party leadership would take practical steps to address their concerns and strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the polls.
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