Seven aspirants are contesting for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the party’s primary scheduled for today May 21, 2026, in Bauchi State.
The contest is expected to be shaped by zoning and regional balance, especially the agitation from Bauchi North for power to shift from Bauchi South, which has held the governorship since 1999.
Stakeholders from Katagum, Misau and Jama’are say Bauchi North has been sidelined for decades despite its contributions. The zone last produced a governor over 40 years ago, during the tenure of the late Abubakar Tatari Ali between 1979 and 1983 before the military coup ended the Second Republic.
However, Bauchi South still has a strong advantage, controlling about 63 per cent of the state’s votes.
Among the leading contenders is Yusuf Tuggar, who is seen as relying on the North’s push for a power shift. He has strong federal connections and diplomatic experience, but analysts say he may be limited by weak grassroots structures.
Another strong contender is Bala Wunti, who is from Bauchi South. He is gaining support through philanthropy, scholarships and youth empowerment programmes. Supporters see him as a technocrat with development ideas, although he is still building strong political structures.
Former governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar who also hails from Bauchi South is also a major contender. He ruled the state from 2015 to 2019 and still enjoys strong support from political allies and beneficiaries of his administration. His experience remains a key advantage.
He is also believed to have support from key stakeholders, including the Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and former Governor Isa Yuguda.
Other aspirants include Dr Nura Manu Soro, the only candidate from Bauchi Central, Alhaji Kabiru Baba Maji, Baba Abubakar Sulaiman, and Yakubu Abdullahi, popularly known as Sarkin Shanu Bauchi. Political observers say they have weaker visibility and structures compared to the frontrunners.
Analysts say Dr Nura Manu Soro may face a tough challenge due to limited structure, while Alhaji Kabiru Baba Maji, a retired NSITF General Manager, is not seen as a frontline contender.
The same applies to Baba Abubakar Sulaiman, a former Minority Leader of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, who currently serves as Special Assistant to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate.
Yakubu Abdullahi, a former Commissioner for Commerce and ex-SURE-P director, is also in the race but has limited statewide reach.
The primary has already generated debate within the APC, with some aspirants rejecting consensus arrangements and insisting on direct primaries to ensure a fair and transparent selection process.
Meanwhile, Senator Shehu Buba Umar has withdrawn from the race, citing alleged irregularities in the party’s primary process.
Seven aspirants jostle for Bauchi APC governorship ticket as Sen Buba withdraws from race
source https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/21/seven-aspirants-jostle-for-bauchi-apc-governorship-ticket-as-sen-buba-withdraws-from-race/
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