A political group in Bauchi State has alleged that a rift has emerged between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar (SAN), and those of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
The allegation was made by Yusuf Inuwa, the state coordinator of the “Shehu Kawai” group, who claimed that the disagreement stemmed from the composition of the governorship campaign structure, particularly the appointment of campaign coordinators.
Prof. Pate played a significant role in Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar’s emergence as the APC governorship candidate, adding that the minister’s supporters expected to be actively involved in the campaign.
“We are not surprised by the crisis because whenever a candidate is imposed, such things are bound to happen. Already, there is division between Ali Pate’s camp and M.A. Abubakar’s supporters, and all the signs of internal cracks are beginning to show,” he alleged.
He claimed that supporters of the minister believe they should nominate campaign coordinators, having remained loyal to Pate throughout the process that led to the former governor’s emergence as the party’s flag bearer.
According to him, Pate’s loyalists feel sidelined, while Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar’s camp is insisting on appointing trusted associates into key campaign positions.
Inuwa further alleged that the disagreement could spread from the ward level to local government areas and eventually across the state, warning that the internal dispute could affect the APC’s chances in the 2027 governorship election.
He also claimed that there was already a lack of trust between the two camps and alleged that Pate’s supporters had not been given any meaningful role in the campaign despite their contribution to the candidate’s emergence.
However, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar (SAN) has dismissed the allegations, describing them as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by his Digital and Creative Media Aide, Shamsuddeen Lukman Abubakar, the former governor denied any disagreement with Prof. Pate.
“Our attention has been drawn to a social media post falsely claiming that there is a disagreement or political rift between His Excellency Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, and the Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate,” the statement said.
The aide described the report as fabricated and intended to mislead the public and create unnecessary political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He maintained that the relationship between Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar and Prof. Pate remains cordial, respectful and founded on a shared commitment to the development of Bauchi State.
“It is unfortunate that rather than presenting meaningful ideas, policies or a credible vision for the people of Bauchi State, some individuals have resorted to manufacturing fake news, spreading misinformation and engaging in politics of distraction. Such tactics neither serve democracy nor the interests of our people,” the statement added.
He urged supporters and members of the public to disregard the rumours and rely only on information released through official communication channels.
The statement stressed that no amount of propaganda or political misinformation would undermine the cordial relationship between the two APC leaders, adding that the former governor’s camp remains focused on unity, development and responsible leadership.
