The political landscape in Bauchi State may be witnessing a fresh realignment following the defection of thousands of supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the People Redemption Party (PRP).
The defectors, mobilised under the auspices of the Hon. Umar Farouk Adam Support Group, were estimated by organisers to be between 60,000 and 70,000 who gathered at the MAHWUN complex on Saturday in Bauchi to declare their position.
The development was attributed to dissatisfaction with what the defectors described as unfulfilled campaign promises, inadequate empowerment programmes and perceived neglect of youths and communities under the previous administration.
According to the group leader, Umar Farouk said their decision was motivated by the need to support a political platform they believe would provide better representation and opportunities for the people.
He subsequently declared their support for Senator Shehu Buba Umar, Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, whom they described as a grassroots politician committed to the welfare of his constituents.
The supporters said Senator Shehu Buba’s interventions and engagement with communities had strengthened their confidence in his leadership.
Meanwhile, political leaders at the event advised youths not to depend solely on partisan politics for their livelihoods.
They encouraged young people to acquire vocational skills, pursue education and establish businesses to achieve economic independence.
The development is expected to generate further political discussions in the state, particularly as political activities ahead of future elections continue to gather momentum.
Earlier, in his welcome speech, while receiving the decampees, the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Senator Shehu Buba Umar, who was ably represented by his deputy, Hon. Tijjani Madangala, the State House of Assembly Majority Leader, lauded their decision and choice to join the PRP ahead of the 2027 general elections in the state.
He described their defection as a sign of victory for the party and a step taken at the right time to change the political landscape among political parties in the state.
He assured the defectors of equal treatment like every other member of the party and promised to work together with them for the overall success of the party ahead of the 2027 presidential and gubernatorial elections.
The event witnessed the formal announcement and declaration of defection from the PDP to the PRP by all the defectors, as well as their endorsement and acceptance into the PRP in the state.
