The Bauchi State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Kashim Ibrahim, has withdrawn from the race, with speculations that he might join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a resignation letter addressed to the PDP Chairman in Bauchi Local Government Area, Kashim said the decision was personal and followed careful consideration.

Reacting to the development, however, the State Chairman of NDC, Abdullahi Misau, said the party would seek legal advice, including from the relevant legal authorities at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on the implications of the candidate’s resignation.

According to him, under the electoral framework, the governorship candidate and the running mate contest together, and since the running mate was still with the party, it remains in the race.

Misau expressed disappointment at the development, adding, however, that since it was beyond the party’s control, members can only hope that it turns out in the best interest of all parties.

He further assured party members and supporters that the NDC leadership remained resolute and would continue mobilising support across Bauchi State.

A former Secretary to the State Government under the incumbent Governor Bala Mohammed, Kashim had earlier joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP) before moving to the NDC, where he got the party ticket for the governorship contest.