APC Bauchi Guber Race Narrows To 4 As Pate Stays In Cabinet

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship race in Bauchi State has effectively narrowed to a four-man contest ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the failure of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, to resign from office in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive.

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Pate, whose name had featured prominently in political discussions as a potential aspirant, appeared to keep his intentions close to his chest despite mounting pressure from support groups urging him to join the race. However, his failure to step down by the March 31, 2026 deadline may effectively cost him the opportunity to contest for the APC ticket.

President Tinubu had directed all political appointees seeking elective office in 2027 to resign on or before March 31, 2026, to ensure compliance with electoral laws and provide a level playing field for aspirants.

While former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, complied with the directive by resigning on March 30, 2026, Pate remained in office, he may exclude himself from the party’s primary process.

Political observers in Bauchi believe the development has ended speculation surrounding Pate’s ambition and removed him from the APC governorship equation.

The contest is now firmly among four contenders which include former Minister Yusuf Tuggar; former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Services, Dr. Bala Wunti; Senator Shehu Buba, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District; and former Bauchi State Governor, Barr. Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN despite he is yet to officially declare his intention to contest.

The APC has scheduled its governorship primaries for May 21, 2026.

Tuggar formally declared his intention to contest last Saturday at the Games Village in Bauchi metropolis, where he emphasised issue-based politics and called for an end to divisive tendencies that have long shaped the state’s political landscape.

He described Bauchi as a state rich in potential but lagging in development, stressing the need to transform its agricultural strength, solid minerals sector, and investment climate into tangible economic growth.

“I am stepping forward not for power, but for service; not for privilege, but for progress,” Tuggar said.

Highlighting his background in business and public service, Tuggar said his administration would prioritise workers’ welfare, security, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. He also pledged prompt payment of salaries, improved security through intelligence-led strategies, and targeted interventions to address unemployment, drug abuse, and poverty.

Tuggar promised to reduce the number of out-of-school children, expand vocational training, and promote digital innovation. He also committed to improving access to affordable healthcare, particularly for women and children, while strengthening social protection programmes.

Despite Tinubu’s resignation deadline, some groups continue to call on Pate to contest.

On Sunday, the Pate Youth Ambassadors Initiative (PYI) urged President Tinubu and APC leadership to consider Pate as a credible and unifying candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

Speaking at a press conference in Bauchi, the group’s director-general, Prince Mohammed Sani Hassan, described Pate as a symbol of competence, inclusiveness, and visionary leadership, noting that his global experience positions him to drive development and unity in the state.

The group also called on stakeholders, particularly young people, to support leadership anchored on unity, progress, and democratic values.

The Electoral Act 2022 requires political parties to conduct primaries and submit candidates’ lists at least 180 days before the general election, while the 1999 Constitution mandates public office holders seeking elective positions to resign at least 30 days before the election.

With the deadline missed, the Bauchi APC governorship race is now set to revolve around Tuggar, Wunti, Buba, and Abubakar as the party heads toward its May 21 primary, despite ongoing calls for Pate’s late entry.

However, some political observers say there remains a possibility that Pate could still resign from his position to pursue the governorship nomination, particularly if he secures the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.