Bauchi APC In Crisis Over Suspension Of Former Governor Backing PDP

The purported suspension of the immediate past governor of Bauchi state, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, has thrown the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) into crisis.

Naija News reports that the APC in his Makama/Sarkin Bakl Ward of Bauchi Local Government Area had suspended him for alleged anti-party activities.

In the letter of suspension jointly signed by Sa’idu Laminu Baban Karatu and Abdullahi, chairman and secretary respectively in the ward had announced that the suspension of Abubakar was in line with Article 21.2 of the APC constitution.

But the state chapter of the party, in a statement signed by Adamu Aliyu Jallah, the state Publicity Secretary on Friday, had reversed the suspension.

The Bauchi State APC leadership described the suspension as null and void as it did not follow due process.

In a statement titled ‘Reversal of Unlawful Suspension of His Excellency, Mohamme,’ the state APC said: “The purported decision as contained in the Letter of suspension dated 14/12/2022 is hereby reversed and set aside by the State Working Committee of APC Bauchi State for want of Fair Hearing and gross violation of disciplinary procedures under Article 21 of the APC constitution, 2022.

“Further take notice that Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN is still an active and valid member of APC and shall continue to partake in all lawful activities of the party at all levels, until further notice. Consequently, your cooperation is hereby sought to stop giving any effect to the unlawful decision of the APC Executives of Makama/Sarkin Baki Ward of Bauchi LGA forthwith. Further action shall be taken by the State Working Committee of the APC, Bauchi State in due course.”

Naija News reports that former Governor Abubakar had allegedly snubbed the reception organised by the Bauchi APC governorship candidate, Sadiq Abubakar, to attend the state dinner held last Friday in his honor by Governor Bala Mohammed of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to honour his elevation to Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN).

During the dinner, Abubakar reportedly commended Governor Mohammed, saying “I must commend my younger shoppingmode brother for the giant strides he has achieved in many sectors of the state’s economy.

“Since the aim is to develop the state, I am in full support of the developmental strides he succeeded in achieving. May Almighty Allah continue to assist him in managing the affairs and politics of the state.”

This did not go down well with some members of the APC who felt the ex-governor’s commendation as a form of endorsement for the governor’s election bid.

The Bauchi state wing of the National Youth Caucus of the party has berated the Abubakar while calling on the National Secretariat of the APC to immediately constitute a high-powered committee to investigate his actions.