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2027: APC chieftain quits party, rejects support for Tinubu

Captain Mohammed Bala Jibrin, a Chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared that he would neither support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as presidential candidate of the party nor Barr Mohammad Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, gubernatorial candidate of the party in the 2027 general elections. 

Bala Jibrin, who on Monday announced his resignation from the party, alleged that neither had demonstrated a genuine commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the people in their plans.

The retired pilot and aeronautical engineer had previously aspired for the governorship ticket of the APC in Bauchi State but lost; he, however, stepped down his aspirations in the 2026 gubernatorial party primaries of the party. 

While announcing his resignation via a letter to that effect dated 31st August, 2026, and addressed to the APC Chairman, Nassarawa/Bakin Kasuwan ward in Katagum LGA, Bala Jibrin, he cited alleged injustice and imposition of candidates.

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In the letter, he stated that his resignation and withdrawal of support for the APC would take immediate effect.

According to him, the decision was largely influenced by what he described as the “brazen injustice” and imposition of candidates for elective offices without due regard for the views of party members.”

“I came to this conclusion due mainly to the brazen injustice and imposition of candidates for elective offices with no regard to party members in Bauchi State. The views of our supporters and constituents are apparently of no consequence,” he stated.

Bala Jibrin stated that he arrived at the decision after consultations with his supporters, friends, and associates, who, according to him, endorsed his decision to leave the party.

“After an interaction with my supporters, friends, and associates, my decision for exiting the APC was endorsed; that is, it is the best option in the circumstances,” he said.

Bala Jibrin further described his resignation as, “The most honourable move,” rather than remaining in a party where he felt members were treated with contempt.

“Accept most kindly, my exit as this is the most honourable move than staying put and rewarded with contempt,” he stated.

Bala Jibrin had been a vocal critic of the APC’s decision to produce former Bauchi State governor, Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar SAN, popularly known as M.A. Abubakar, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

Before the party’s primary election, Bala Jibrin had opposed the move to choose the former governor, arguing that he was not suitable to represent the party in the election.

He later alleged that Abubakar emerged as the party’s candidate through what he described as underhanded maneuvering and imposition.