A political pressure group known as the Think-Tank Group in Bauchi has called on the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to adopt the Option A4 system or Direct Primary during the party’s primary elections.
The group also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, along with the entire party leadership, for their commitment to party unity and for resisting what it described as attempts at defection by Governor Bala Mohammed into the party.
The position was contained in a joint statement signed by the Chairman and Deputy Coordinator, Prof. Musa Muhammad Kirfi and Barr. Mahmood M. Maidoki (Esq.), during a press briefing held on Sunday in Bauchi.
The group noted that the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi not to join the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections was commendable, adding that the governor was “not welcome” in the APC.
Similarly, the group, comprising men and women, unanimously endorsed the governorship candidacy of Senator Shehu Usman Buba for the 2027 elections in the state.
According to the group, the senator’s performance in the Nigerian Senate, his educational background as a doctoral researcher, his relatively young age, political experience at both national and local levels, and his commitment to the development of Bauchi State and its people make him the best candidate.
The statement added: “We are supporting his aspiration for the above-stated reasons. We are confident that if there is any politician of Bauchi State extraction capable of transforming our adversity into advantage, it is Shehu Usman Buba.”
It further stated that his candidature would guarantee victory for the APC in Bauchi State, with positive implications for the party’s national outlook.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the endorsement by the Think-Tank Group came barely 24 hours after a press briefing by the Bauchi State Chairman of the PDP, Sama’ila Burga, reaffirming the party’s position not to join the APC and ending any further discussions on alignment between the two parties.
Burga had stated that the PDP would not join the APC and that all talks had been conclusively terminated.
He reiterated that the PDP in Bauchi remains open to alliances with other political parties, except the APC, ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We remain committed to responsible leadership, inclusive governance, and the continued progress of our dear state,” he said.
