The Allied People’s Movement (APM) in Bauchi State says it is unfazed by the emergence of former Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for 2027, arguing that voters have no appetite for a return to the past.
Speaking to Daily Times on Sunday, APM Publicity Secretary Danlami A. Mohammed said the political ground in Bauchi had shifted under the seven-year administration of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.
“People of Bauchi State have seen rigorous transformation in the last seven years of Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed’s leadership. No one wants to go back to the woods,” Mohammed said.
“The coming on board of M.A is a walkover to victory for the APM,” he added.
Abubakar, who governed Bauchi before losing in 2019, secured the APC ticket earlier this month. His candidacy has drawn speculation of support from former Governor Isa Yuguda and the incumbent Minister of Health, both considered influential within the state APC structure.
When asked if federal backing could give the APC an edge, Mohammed said President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to democratic norms should ensure a level playing field.
“Mr. President believes in the same democracy that we do. It is our collective mandate to ensure the system is protected and to restore hope to Nigerians by allowing a level playing field for all to struggle for victory,” he said.
Mohammed urged the federal government to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission to operate independently and conduct free, fair, and credible elections.
He dismissed suggestions that the APM would be overwhelmed by the APC’s political weight, citing Governor Mohammed’s warning against underestimating the administration.
“Winning elections is strategy-based and divine in nature. As my principal, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, says: ‘We don’t underrate anybody, and if you underrate us, that is when we spring surprises. Underrate us at your own peril,’” he said.
On alliances, Mohammed said APM was not in formal merger talks but maintained that the party’s reach extended beyond party lines.
“We are not in a merger, and we are in a merger. What I mean is APM is APM. We don’t have PDAPC as some politicians do. It is either you stay in white or in black,” he said.
He added that APM had become a household name in Bauchi and predicted that some APC aspirants would eventually align with the party.
“Don’t be surprised if APC aspirants canvass support for us, because we have what to show,” he said.
Mohammed said APM’s momentum was growing and expressed confidence in victory across the state. He urged residents to sustain support for the current administration and turn out in large numbers to vote.
“APM is waxing stronger day by day. We see victory in the pipeline at all climes. My message to Bauchi people is to continue to give this government the usual support, come out en masse to vote wisely, and vote for APM all through,” he said.
The 2027 governorship contest in Bauchi is shaping up as one of the most watched races in the North-East.
The APC is seeking to reclaim a state it lost in 2019, while APM is positioning itself as the party of continuity.
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