The Allied Peoples' Movement (APM) in Bauchi State, Nigeria, has faced another setback ahead of the 2027 general elections. Yusuf Abdullahi Itas, the incumbent lawmaker representing Itas/Gadau State Constituency in the Bauchi State House of Assembly, has withdrawn from the race. Itas, who chairs the House Committee on Petitions and serves as Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, announced his withdrawal in a letter dated October 5, 2026.
In his letter, titled "Withdrawal of Candidature for the Itas/Gadau State Constituency Seat in the Bauchi State House of Assembly," Itas formally notified the APM State Chairman in Bauchi of his decision. He described his decision as "entirely voluntary and personal" and thanked the APM leadership and members for the opportunity and confidence they placed in him. Itas also expressed appreciation to the people of Itas/Gadau State Constituency for their support and encouragement.
This development comes less than three weeks after Musa Wakili Nakwada, the Chief Whip of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, also withdrew his candidacy for the 2027 election. Nakwada, a two-term lawmaker representing Bogoro Constituency, announced his withdrawal in a personally signed letter. He stated that he accepted the development in good faith and as the will of God for the peace, unity, and development of Bogoro Constituency.
Meanwhile, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi has expressed support for some of the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu. Mohammed, who is contesting for a senatorial seat under the APM, said the Federal Government's reforms had increased resources available to states and created opportunities for improved infrastructure and service delivery. He made these comments when he received the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate.
During the courtesy visit, Mohammed commended the Federal Government's interventions in the health sector, particularly the establishment of diagnostic facilities and other healthcare infrastructure. He emphasized that stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments would improve access to quality healthcare and raise the standard of living of Nigerians.
The governor also praised Tinubu's interventions in the security sector, particularly the establishment of military battalions in Alkaleri and Tafawa Balewa. He said the Federal Government's response had helped restore peace and enabled displaced residents to return to their communities. Mohammed assured the visiting ministers that Bauchi State was prepared to deepen its collaboration with the Federal Government to improve the quality of life of its residents.
The withdrawal of Itas and Nakwada from the 2027 election is a significant blow to the APM in Bauchi State. The party will need to regroup and strategize to remain competitive in the upcoming elections. Governor Mohammed's comments on the Federal Government's reforms and interventions in various sectors highlight the ongoing efforts to address the country's challenges.
Key points
- - Yusuf Abdullahi Itas, a Bauchi State lawmaker, has withdrawn from the 2027 election citing personal reasons. - The withdrawal follows that of Musa Wakili Nakwada, another lawmaker from the same party. - Governor Bala Mohammed has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms and interventions in various sectors.
