Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar through his campaign organisation has rejected the emergence of the former Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammad Abdullahi Abubakar as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election.

The organisation, acting for the former Minister, a governorship aspirant, insisted that there was no election and what was held was a selection, which they said was done in contrary to the party constitution.

While addressing the press on Tuesday, the leader of the Organisation, Alh. Sule Wada, said that the Party has yet to announce Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar as the authentic candidate, saying that the former governor has been parading himself as the winner of the election that was never held.

“We describe the declaration as purported because it was made by Mr. М. А. Abubakar himself, rather than through an official announcement by the appropriate organs of the All Progressives Congress. Such a development is unusual and unprecedented. To date, the party has not publicly and officially confirmed the declaration. However, the continued silence of the party has understandably given rise to the impression that the self-declaration may have been tacitly endorsed.

“No governorship primary election was conducted in Bauchi State. Consequently, the declaration of any aspirant as the winner of a primary election that never took place is, in our view, unfounded, unjustifiable, unconstitutional, and devoid of any legitimate basis,” he said.

The ex-Minister’s camp said that Abubakar as the APC Governorship Candidate is not in the interest of the party. He said that they have assessed the former Governor’s emergence, saying there are concerns regarding his suitability, popularity, and acceptability among party members and the electorate.

“The wave of defections from the party, coupled with the widespread negative reactions and expressions of dissatisfaction by party members, stakeholders, and the general public, are clear warning signs that, unless the situation is urgently addressed, the party risks a disappointing outcome in the 2027 general election.

In a copy of a letter addressed to the party national leadership on June 2nd, Wada said that Bauchi State has been categorised as Bauchi and Katagum zones but power has been held tight by the Bauchi zone. He said that it has been more than 43 years since the last and only governor from the Katagum zone led the state.

The Campaign Organisation of Tuggar called for consideration of their appeal and to consider the ex-Minister for justice and fairness and consideration of electoral fortunes.