More than 10,000 members and supporters of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Bauchi State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing prolonged internal crises and alleged leadership disputes within the party.
The defectors, led by former PRP chairman in the state, Hon. Hamza Ibrahim Misau, announced their decision at a ceremony held yesterday in Azare, the political headquarters of Katagum Emirate.
The event attracted thousands of supporters from across the state who gathered to demonstrate their support for the former party chairman and his political movement.
Speaking at the ceremony, Misau said the decision to leave the PRP followed what he described as persistent interference and marginalisation of duly elected party executives at the state, local government and ward levels.
He alleged that the party's national leadership in Abuja sidelined the elected executives and subsequently issued a circular that, according to him, created further divisions within the party by allegedly favouring wealthy individuals.
Misau said the developments had contributed significantly to the crisis rocking the party, adding that the situation had also affected the party’s electoral preparations.
The former chairman described the defectors as committed members who had worked tirelessly for the growth and development of the PRP over the years.
According to him, they were pushed aside by individuals he described as "Interlopers” who, he alleged, took control of the party through what he termed injustice.
Misau said the affected members had decided to leave the party after carefully examining alternative political platforms that shared their ideals of good governance, freedom, development and prosperity.
He explained that they eventually settled for the APC because of their confidence in the leadership qualities and vision of Prof. Ali Pate, whom he described as a long-standing associate.
"We know Prof. Ali Pate very well. We worked with him politically in the PRP during the 2018 political dispensation, and we have confidence in his leadership qualities and vision," he said.
Misau added that the group also considered Pate’s contributions to human development and the progress of Bauchi State as part of the reasons for aligning with the APC.
He said their decision to join the APC was therefore based on the belief that the party offered a platform through which they could contribute to the development of the state and the country.
The former PRP chairman urged his supporters and the people of Bauchi State to support the APC and its candidates at all levels, from the grassroots to the national level.
He also called on the people to continue praying for the state and its leaders, urging them to seek divine guidance, peace, prosperity and protection from all forms of adversity.
Misau expressed optimism that the new political alignment would contribute to greater development and unity in Bauchi State.
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