Allegations Trail APC House of Representatives Primary in Bauchi
Allegations of widespread irregularities have marred the APC House of Representatives primary election in Bauchi Federal Constituency. Supporters of Hajiya Badi’atu Inuwa Siyama, the only female aspirant, reported waiting for hours without electoral officials or materials. Stakeholders are now calling for party intervention, transparency, and greater inclusion of women.
Supporters of Badi’atu Inuwa Siyama have raised concerns over the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Bauchi Federal Constituency, alleging irregularities and a lack of transparency during the exercise.
The complaints were made during a press conference in Bauchi, where party stakeholders called on APC leaders to investigate the process and ensure fair treatment for all aspirants.
Speaking on behalf of the group, former APC Women Leader in Bauchi State, Hajiya Sa’adatu Mamuda, alleged that many supporters who arrived at designated polling centres were unable to participate because electoral officials and voting materials failed to arrive.
According to her, supporters gathered at various locations from the early hours of Saturday following the party’s announcement of the primary election. However, she claimed that no voting process took place at several polling centres throughout the day.
Mamuda cited locations including Makama Sarkin Baki, Bakari Dukku, Yamrat Dandango, Liman Katagum and Birshi Miri, where she alleged that electoral materials were absent despite the presence of party members waiting to vote.
She urged the party’s national, state and local leadership to intervene and ensure transparency in the primary process. The stakeholders also called for greater inclusion of women in elective positions within the party.
Another supporter, Fatima Abdullahi Ibrahim, expressed concern over what she described as irregularities surrounding the exercise. She said party members had been informed that voting would take place but arrived at their wards to find no visible preparations for the election.
Ibrahim appealed to APC leaders to uphold internal democracy and transparency, arguing that women should be given more opportunities to occupy political leadership positions.
She noted that leadership roles have traditionally been dominated by men and said the current political climate presents an opportunity to encourage greater female participation in governance.
As of Sunday afternoon, no official results had been announced by the APC primary election committee or the party’s Bauchi State chapter. Attempts to obtain comments from party officials and members of the electoral committee were reportedly unsuccessful.
The allegations have added fresh scrutiny to the primary process, with supporters of the aspirants calling for clarity and accountability as the party moves forward with preparations for future elections.