Pro-APC Youths Reject Bauchi Caucus Position, Back Gov Mohammed’s Defection Move

By Ahmed Ahmed

A group under the banner of the Progressive Youths Congress has rejected the purported resolution of a factional caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State opposing the planned defection of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed to the party.

Comrade Aliyu Abdullahi Ilelaih on behalf of concerned APC members made the declaration at press briefing on Thursday in Bauchi

The group described the caucus position as “misleading, selective and unrepresentative,” insisting that it does not reflect the views of the broader APC membership across the state.

The youths argued that the meeting cited by the caucus lacked legitimacy, noting the absence of key stakeholders, including former Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Professor Ali Pate, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, among others.

They further dismissed claims that Governor Mohammed’s defection would weaken the APC in Bauchi, describing such assertions as driven by personal interests rather than party unity and electoral success.

According to the group, integrating the structure of a sitting governor into the APC would strengthen the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections and boost support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group also criticised what it termed double standards within the party, pointing to instances where other politicians were welcomed into the APC without opposition.

It specifically questioned the stance of Senator Sama’ila Dahuwa Kaila, who previously defected from another party but now opposes the governor’s move.

While urging party leaders to embrace inclusiveness and dialogue, the youths called on APC members to accept Governor Mohammed should he formally defect.

They emphasised that freedom of association remains a constitutional right and cautioned the public against narratives capable of creating division within the party.