Political Firestorm: Badawaire Rejects Replacement in Taraba APC Crisis

A significant political dispute is currently unfolding within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State, as Hon. Kabiru Bello Badawaire, the party’s candidate for the Taraba North Senatorial District, has vehemently refuted and rejected claims regarding his alleged replacement. Badawaire, who had actively vied for the senatorial ticket against the incumbent Senator Shuiabu Isa Lau in the recent APC primary election, has firmly stated his position, asserting that he remains the legitimate and legally recognized flag bearer for the crucial 2027 National Assembly election.

In an interview conducted with newsmen on Saturday, the protesting Badawaire made it unequivocally clear that he has no intention of withdrawing from the race for any individual, including Senator Lau, who currently represents the district. He categorically dismissed media reports suggesting that his name had been substituted as entirely baseless and devoid of any official endorsement or backing from the party or electoral bodies. Badawaire maintained that his nomination by the APC was valid and that his recognition by the Independent National Commission (INEC) was duly established. He further stressed that neither the political party nor the electoral umpire had communicated any formal decision to him regarding his removal from the ballot for the upcoming elections.

“I will not withdraw from the senatorial race to represent Taraba North. I am the candidate and I will not step aside for anyone,” Hon. Badawaire declared, emphasizing his unwavering commitment. He added, “I cannot betray the mandate freely given to me by the people. I am not aware of any replacement and the party has not communicated such a decision to me.” Badawaire underscored the legal framework governing candidate substitution, arguing that the Electoral Act explicitly outlines the specific conditions under which a political party is permitted to replace a candidate. He insisted that a candidate who has been duly nominated can only be substituted in strict adherence to the provisions of the law, which notably includes a voluntary withdrawal expressed through a written notice from the candidate themselves.

Highlighting his continued resolve, Hon. Badawaire affirmed that he has neither formally withdrawn from the electoral contest nor submitted any letter relinquishing his candidacy. He expressed strong protest, stating that any attempt to replace him outside of the legally prescribed provisions would constitute a flagrant violation of due process and democratic principles. “I do not look like someone who is ready to withdraw from this race. The party must respect due process. My name has not been replaced by anyone. I remain the APC candidate for Taraba North Senatorial District and I will not withdraw for anybody,” he reiterated, reinforcing his stance.

This escalating internal party conflict emerges amidst increasing speculation surrounding the APC’s senatorial ticket in Taraba North, particularly as the 2027 general elections draw closer. Attempts to obtain comments or clarification from key party officials, including the state APC Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, and the APC publicity secretary, Mr. Aarin Aritmas, were unsuccessful at the time of the report’s compilation, indicating a potential communication breakdown or unwillingness to comment on the sensitive issue.