Farewell to elections on Saturday: Bauchi APC secures a seat

As the political atmosphere becomes increasingly competitive, the outcome of Saturday’s by-elections in Shira and Zaki Local Government Areas of Bauchi State deserves closer reflection. From the perspective of the All Progressives Congress (APC), there are more reasons to appreciate the outcome and commend the party stakeholders for their great efforts.

The APM entered the election with significant political advantages, including control of state government resources and strong grassroots influence. You cannot take this away from the ruling party. Sakwa constituency is also within the political stronghold of Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau, an aspirant for the Bauchi North Senatorial District seat. In Disina, the APC faced an APM candidate who had previously held the position of local government chairman. Despite these circumstances, APC secured one of the two constituencies, an achievement that deserves recognition and commendation.

In Sakwa, APM got 8,515 votes to APC’s 3,771. While the result undoubtedly demonstrates the internal divisions of the APC, yes, no party will be exempt. However, it is also necessary for the PCA to examine the role and other factors that may have influenced its performance. Whatever the causes, the lesson is clear: better coordination, reconciliation and strategic planning are essential for the future and will only be the driving force of our future success.

By-elections are therefore both a political warning and an opportunity. Internal conflicts have repeatedly weakened the collective strength of the post-information APC. Addressing these differences, strengthening consultation and putting the broader interest of the party above individual considerations will be key to improving future electoral outcomes.

The numbers tell a pretty big story. In Disina the APC won with 5,846 votes against the APM’s 5,225, while in Sakwa the APM won with 8,515 against the APC’s 3,771. Both findings must be considered together. They demonstrate that incumbent power and political structures do not automatically guarantee victory, while APM’s strong performance in Sakwa demonstrates that we must work hard and weaken APM. I think it is, obviously, very important and possible.

For me, the most important achievement is that we entered the race with significant challenges and still secured one of two constituencies. This offers an opportunity for sober reflection, reconciliation and strategic reorganization.

I say this because I really care about my party. We must learn from these elections, address our internal weaknesses, strengthen our basic structures and prepare more effectively for future battles.

Simply put, we came with challenges, but we got one out of two. Let’s make the necessary changes, unite our house and reorganize the strategy for the future. I still believe we can do it. But we have to act very quickly.

Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani