Mohammed is the current governor of Bauchi state.

Although five candidates have emerged from the major political parties in the state, political observers believe the contest is increasingly narrowing to a three-horse race involving Yakubu Adamu of the All Progressives Movement (APM), former governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Senator Shehu Buba Umar of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Haliru Dauda Jika, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) (Wike-led faction), Usman Adamu Sufi, remain in contention. However, their parties are yet to demonstrate the statewide structure and momentum required to challenge the leading trio.

Yakubu Adamu

Yakubu Adamu enters the race with what many analysts consider one of the strongest political advantages — the backing of Governor Bala Mohammed.

The immediate past Commissioner of Finance is banking on the incumbency influence and the growing agitation for power rotation to Bauchi North.

His emergence followed Governor Bala Mohammed’s defection to the APM alongside a significant portion of his political structure.

From elected officials and party executives to grassroots mobilisers across the state’s 20 local government areas, the governor’s movement has effectively transformed the APM into a major political force.

For many observers, the greatest strength of Yakubu Adamu’s candidacy lies not necessarily in the party itself but in the extensive political machinery behind him.

Bala Mohammed remains one of the most influential political figures in Bauchi State and is expected to deploy his vast network to rally support for the APM candidate.

Beyond the advantage of structure, Yakubu Adamu is also expected to benefit from increasing calls for a power shift to Bauchi North.

The zone has not produced a governor in many years, fuelling sentiments among political stakeholders that power should rotate for equity, balance, and inclusiveness. Should the campaign gain wider acceptance across the state, it could significantly boost his electoral prospects.

However, the APM candidate is not without challenges.

Apart from allegations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Yakubu Adamu faces another hurdle many political analysts consider significant.

Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, no sitting governor in Bauchi State has successfully installed a preferred successor at the end of his tenure.

The state’s political history has consistently favoured change over continuity.

Former governor, Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu completed two terms between 1999 and 2007 under the PDP but failed to hand over to a successor of his choice, as Isa Yuguda of the ANPP emerged victorious in the 2007 election.

Likewise, Isa Yuguda, who governed the state from 2007 to 2015, could not transfer power to his preferred candidate, as Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar of the APC won the governorship election in 2015.

Whether Bala Mohammed can break that political jinx may become one of the defining questions of the 2027 race.

Mohammed Abubakar

For the All Progressives Congress (APC), the emergence of Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar has exposed deep cracks within the party.

The governorship primary triggered the exit of key stakeholders, including Shehu Buba Umar, while many members remain dissatisfied with the process.

Several party members have reportedly defected over allegations of injustice, candidate imposition, and lack of internal democracy.

Aggrieved stakeholders and aspirants accused the APC leadership of sidelining due process during the conduct of governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly primaries.

They alleged that no genuine direct primaries were conducted and claimed candidates emerged through what they described as imposition rather than democratic selection.

Some groups also accused the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, and former governor Isa Yuguda of influencing the emergence of Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar as the party’s governorship candidate.

Among those who exited the party was the member representing Jama’are/Itas-Gadau Federal Constituency, Hon. Rabilu Bala Kashuri, who resigned following his unsuccessful bid for re-election.

Similarly, Katagum Federal Constituency aspirant, Hon. Tijjani Mohammed Aliyu, accused the party of conducting a flawed primary characterised by predetermined results and violations of party guidelines.

Another APC chieftain, Hon. Abubakar Dahuwa Abdulkadir, also quit the party, describing the process as unfair and undemocratic.

In the same vein, Hon. Sulaiman Sunusi Lalaye, an aspirant for the Bauchi State House of Assembly, cited persistent irregularities and injustice as reasons for leaving the party.

Political tensions escalated further when Senator Shehu Buba Umar dumped the APC for the PRP to pursue his governorship ambition.

Unless urgent reconciliation efforts are undertaken, the APC may struggle to maintain its competitiveness.

Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar and Minister Muhammad Ali Pate are expected to spearhead efforts to reunite aggrieved members and restore confidence within the party.

APC’s success in healing its internal divisions could ultimately determine how formidable the party remains ahead of the election.

Shehu Buba

Shehu Buba Umar remains one of the strongest contenders in the race owing to his grassroots appeal, political audacity, and growing influence across Bauchi South, the state’s most populous senatorial district.

His defection from the APC and emergence as the PRP governorship candidate have injected fresh momentum into the contest.

Unlike many politicians who depend heavily on party structures, Shehu Buba’s strength is largely rooted in his personal political brand and growing popularity among grassroots supporters.

He enjoys significant influence in Bauchi South, widely regarded as the state’s biggest electoral battleground due to its voting strength.

A commanding performance in the zone could place him in a strong position as the campaign intensifies.

The senator is also expected to benefit from protest votes by APC members dissatisfied with the outcome of the party’s primary election.

For many observers, his candidacy offers a viable alternative for voters seeking change without aligning with the ruling APM.

His role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence has further enhanced his visibility and projected him as a politician with influence beyond Bauchi State.

Nevertheless, significant challenges remain.

The allegation linking him to banditry during his political disagreement with Governor Bala Mohammed is expected to resurface during campaigns. Although the claim was denied and never substantiated, opponents may seek to weaponise it politically.

More importantly, the PRP faces the daunting task of building a statewide structure capable of matching the organisational strength of both the APM and APC.

Political popularity may attract attention, but elections are often won through effective grassroots mobilisation, polling unit management, and voter turnout operations.

For Shehu Buba, the real test will be translating growing public sympathy into a formidable electoral machine.

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Agbonayinwa has been vocal regarding his purported exclusion from receiving the party’s ticket for the senatorial district, which he asserted he secured following the NDC primary elections held on May 29.

The former member of the House of Representatives is among the dissatisfied members of the party who are displeased with how the party’s leadership has managed the candidate selection process.

DAILY POST reports that the NDC has not yet disclosed the results of the primary elections for the Senate, House of Representatives, state governors, and state legislatures.

During an appearance on Arise News on Friday, Agbonayinwa stated that the most significant issue within the NDC is that the party’s National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, is imposing his will on everyone.

He said, “I think what is wrong is that one man cannot dictate for the whole NDC. You have national leader, you have national chairman, a senator of reput, a wonderful guy, a great guy. I respect him.

“You have the secretary, Barrister Ikenna, wonderful people. You have the national public secretary, they are great men, but at the same time we have the National Organising Secretary, wonderful people working day and night, but guess what? One man cannot detect and decide for the future of members of NDC.

“So for me, I cannot be going to the leader’s house every day waiting from morning till night. This is not democracy, for God’s sake. This is undemocratic.

“Democracy is for the people, by the people. You must allow the people to decide their own faith, I won the senatorial seat. There’s no two ways about it.

“What stopped them from announcing the result for God’s sake? Primary was on May 29, this is June 5. What are they hiding?

“He said they’re featuring one lady, that the lady is going to be giving affirmation, that they need a woman to be among the senator.

“You don’t do that. We went to primaries, those who won should be given the opportunity. Since I have won, I should be given the opportunity.”

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The governor made the remarks on Wednesday at an event organized by the Tinubu Support Organisation, TSO, in Birnin Kebbi, where endorsements were also made for President Tinubu and the governor ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Idris responded to criticisms over his public support for the president, saying those questioning his position were not familiar with the realities in the state.

“I saw a clip last week questioning why Governor Idris should be in the forefront of supporting Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said, adding that the author of the clip was not from Kebbi State.

He maintained that President Tinubu “believes in Kebbi and loves its people,” noting that ongoing federal projects in the state reflect the strength of that relationship.

According to him, his support for the president is based on ongoing federal projects and development efforts in the state.

“That’s why we are enjoying federal projects today. The essence of democracy is to deliver democratic dividends to the doorsteps of the people,” he said.

Idris also reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu, describing him as a leader and mentor, and insisting that Kebbi State remains fully behind his re-election bid.

“Tinubu is my leader and mentor. We support him 100% in Kebbi State,” he stated.

The governor recalled that residents of the state had earlier gathered at the Haliru Abdu Stadium in Birnin Kebbi to endorse President Tinubu for a second term, describing it as one of the earliest such endorsements in the country.

“Last year, Kebbi people converged on the Haliru Abdu Stadium in Birnin Kebbi in their thousands to endorse Tinubu for a second term in office, the first state to do so in Nigeria,” he said.

Idris added that his administration would continue to support initiatives aligned with the development of Kebbi State and the country at large.

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Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Wednesday, Jibrin said the current political realities and dynamics favour Tinubu ahead of the next presidential election.

The lawmaker argued that regardless of the opposition’s strategy or choice of candidates, the ruling party remains in a strong position.

He maintained that even if key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, were to unite behind a common platform, Tinubu would still emerge victorious.

Jibrin added that the opposition’s current divisions further strengthened the President’s prospects, predicting that Tinubu would win the forthcoming presidential election.

Jibrin said: “I will say on a general note, on a general scale, and with the reality on ground and all of the political dynamics that we can see, no matter how you analyse it, whether with one presidential candidate you did not imagine, whether with another candidate from Ibadan, emerging, however you look at it, the opposition lost it already.

“I used to say something, even if they come together, the President will defeat them, not to talk about when they’ve split. The president will win this election, I tell you that.”

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The appeal was made on Tuesday in Osogbo by the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, during a programme titled “The Journalists-INEC Voter Education and Publicity Dialogue on the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election.”

The event was organised by the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria programme in collaboration with the INEC headquarters as part of preparations for the forthcoming poll.

Addressing journalists and media stakeholders, Babalola stressed the importance of the media in safeguarding the credibility of the electoral process through accurate and responsible reporting.

She said the media remained a critical partner in voter education, information dissemination and public enlightenment, particularly as the election date draws nearer.

Babalola warned that misinformation and disinformation posed significant threats to credible elections in the digital era, noting that false narratives and manipulated content could erode public confidence in the democratic process.

“As we move closer to this important date, the role of the media as a partner in voter education, information dissemination, and public enlightenment cannot be over-emphasised,” she said.

She added, “One of the greatest threats to credible elections in this digital age is the spread of disinformation and misinformation. False narratives, fake results, doctored videos, and malicious propaganda have the capacity to undermine public confidence in the electoral process, incite violence, and delegitimise outcomes.”

The REC urged journalists to verify information before publication and actively challenge false reports with factual and balanced coverage.

“We must therefore work together to build a robust defence against these threats. The media must serve as gatekeepers of truth, verifying information before dissemination and countering falsehoods with factual reporting,” Babalola stated.

She also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to providing timely, accurate and verifiable information through its official communication channels, urging journalists to rely on those platforms and collaborate with the commission in addressing misleading reports.

According to her, “the dialogue provided an opportunity for INEC and media organisations to develop creative, culturally sensitive and accessible voter education strategies capable of reaching residents in languages and formats they easily understand.”

Earlier, the Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, Dr Akin Akingbulu, called on journalists to uphold their responsibility of educating citizens about their roles before, during and after the election while also scrutinising campaign promises and monitoring the commission’s readiness for the poll.

Akingbulu said media practitioners should not remain passive observers, adding that they must “reflect, interrogate, and rank. And your perspectives will reach further than you may expect.”

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Soludo made the declaration while addressing members of the City Boy Movement, Anambra State Chapter.

The governor said his political decisions are guided by the interests of Anambra people and the Igbo nation, stressing that he believes in what he described as the “politics of evidence.”

He cited the Federal Government’s approval of the state’s proposed aerotropolis as a Free Economic Trade Zone as an example of the benefits of cooperation with the current administration.

According to him, the approval was granted in what he described as the fastest response he had witnessed from the Federal Government.

Soludo also said that although APGA remains a separate political party, it shares progressive ideals with the ruling party and should work with the Federal Government for the benefit of the South-East region.

The governor maintained that progressive political forces must collaborate to advance the interests of the Igbo people and accelerate development in Anambra State.

Soludo said: “You don’t take second position in politics. I don’t play that kind of politics. The Politics I want to play is for the interest of Ndi Anambra, and the Igbo.

“I only play politics of evidence.

“The President in a fastest approval I have ever seen, he designated our aero metropolis as a free economic trade zone. That’s politics.

“Despite the fact that we are in APGA, we understand it that progressives have to work together for the good of Igbo.”

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Tomas made his return known on Monday during a visit to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, at his residence in Abuja.

He was accompanied by the chairmen of Makoda and Dambatta local government areas, Alhaji Isa Currency and Alhaji Jamilu Abubakar Dambatta.

Receiving the lawmaker, Senator Barau described his return to the APC as a welcome development, saying it aligns with efforts to strengthen governance and political stability.

“This is a timely and commendable decision. It shows commitment to development and good governance,” Barau said.

The Deputy Senate President also assured Tomas of fair treatment within the APC, adding that the party remains open to returning members and committed to equal opportunities for all.

He further expressed confidence that Tomas’ return would boost the party’s strength in Kano North and across Kano State.

In a post shared on his Facebook page, Barau said he was optimistic that the development would further consolidate the APC’s presence in the region.

Tomas’ defection comes after he recently lost the NDC ticket to contest for a second term in the Kano State House of Assembly, a decision that was reportedly reached through consensus within the party.

The lawmaker had earlier left the APC for the NDC, where he was received by party leaders, including Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, before returning to the ruling party.

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In a statement issued on Sunday night, Archibong described the reported remark as reckless, disappointing and unbecoming of a democratic leader, arguing that it reflects intolerance for dissenting voices and an attempt to intimidate political opponents.

The PDP flagbearer expressed particular concern that the statement was attributed to Governor Otu, who is widely known for his Christian faith and often identified as an apostle.

He accused the governor of embracing political intimidation rather than demonstrating the moral values expected of a man of faith.

Citing Proverbs 22:22-23, Archibong urged the governor to refrain from actions or comments capable of suppressing opposition voices, stressing that democratic governance thrives on accountability and constructive criticism.

He maintained that the opposition would not be intimidated by threats, pledging instead to pursue a peaceful, issue-based campaign focused on the interests and welfare of Cross River people.

According to him, the period leading to the 2027 elections would provide an opportunity for a thorough assessment of the performance of the current administration, insisting that any government that has delivered on its promises should have nothing to fear from public scrutiny.

Archibong argued that the administration had itself provided the basis for criticism through its policies and actions, adding that a truly successful government would be judged by its achievements rather than attempts to silence opponents.

He said the governor should focus on “crushing” poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment through purposeful governance, strategic investments and visionary leadership, rather than targeting opposition figures.

The PDP candidate also challenged the administration to address issues highlighted in the recent SBM Intelligence report, which he said had negatively affected the state’s image.

Reaffirming his commitment to a peaceful campaign, Archibong insisted that no amount of intimidation would deter the opposition from holding the government accountable, adding that Cross River people deserved sustainable wealth creation and tangible development, not merely the signing of memoranda of understanding.

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Amadi made this remark in an interview on Arise Television monitored by DAILY POST on Sunday night.

He said that why no lessons were learnt was that there were often no real consequences for violating due process.

According to him, political actors do not internalize the cost of breaking the rules because they were rarely penalized for doing so.

“The 2026 primaries are worse than the 2022 primaries. If candidates or parties lost elections for failing to follow fair and transparent procedures, they would be forced to learn from those mistakes.

“Unfortunately, a culture of what many describe as political banditry has emerged, where some believe they can disregard due process without consequences.

“When such behavior is rewarded rather than punished, it only encourages further violations and weakens democratic institutions,” he said.

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The party also intensified efforts to attract members and structures of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, into its fold ahead of future electoral contests.

The affirmation came as the party concluded its primary elections and announced candidates for National and State Assembly positions across federal and state constituencies in Osun State.

Chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Adewale Adebayo, said Makinde was affirmed across the 332 wards of the state.

Adebayo described the outcome of the primary exercise as a demonstration of unity, consensus and shared commitment among party members.

He said, “In every generation, political movements survive not only by competition, but by cohesion, discipline and collective purpose. Today, APM is sending that message clearly and boldly.”

According to him, “The affirmation of our candidates across all elective positions reflects the confidence of the party in credible leadership and our determination to move forward as one united political family.

“Sometimes, the strongest democracy is not in division, but in agreement built on trust, consultation and common vision.”

Announcing the presidential endorsement, Adebayo said, “After the successful conduct of our primaries, we have Today affirmed His Excellency, Seyi Makinde, the sole presidential aspirant of our great party, as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement for the 2027 general election.”

He noted that the affirmation followed what he described as the peaceful and successful conduct of the exercise across all 332 wards in Osun State without rancour or disruption.

Adebayo disclosed that the party had activated reconciliation mechanisms aimed at engaging aggrieved members and encouraging them to remain committed to the party’s objectives ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election and the 2027 general elections.

He also called on members and supporters of the PDP, as well as other Nigerians, to join the APM, describing it as a platform capable of strengthening opposition politics and advancing its political agenda ahead of future elections.

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