Ex-Bauchi APC Campaign Coordinator Denies Defection To PRP

All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign coordinator in Bauchi State during the 2023 general elections, Malam Haruna Garba, has denied reports that he had defected to the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) to support the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, ahead of the 2027 elections.

Garba, who holds the traditional title of Ajiyan Galambi and served as one of the campaign coordinators for Air Marshal Sadiq Baba Abubakar (rtd) in the 2023 elections, described the report as false and misleading.

In a statement issued yesterday by Mohammed Kawu, media aide to the Northeast Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential campaign, Garba dismissed claims that he had pitched his tent with the PRP.

According to him, the report was a fabrication allegedly orchestrated by supporters of Senator Shehu Buba Umar in an attempt to pressure him into joining the PRP and supporting the senator’s ambition.

“The truth is that Senator Shehu Buba Umar invited me through the PRP senatorial candidate, Barden Gabas, for political discussions. During our meeting, the senator requested that I join the PRP and support his gubernatorial campaign ahead of the 2027 elections,” Garba stated.

He explained that he informed the senator that he would consult with his political associates before making any decision regarding the proposal.

Garba noted that while the matter appeared to have faded, reports alleging that he had already joined the PRP began circulating on social media.

He therefore urged his supporters, associates, and political allies within and outside Bauchi State not to be disturbed by what he described as deliberate attempts to tarnish his reputation and misrepresent his political position.

The statement further recalled that Garba had previously left the APC and is currently playing a prominent role in the NDC’s Obi/Kwankwaso joint presidential campaign structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the statement, the Bauchi Contact and Mobilisation Organisation under Garba’s leadership has established political structures across the Northeast and maintains alliances with over 237 associations, unions, and political groups spread across the 20 local government areas of Bauchi State.