By Christopher Ameh, Bauchi

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 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 in Azare, the political headquarters of Katagum Emirate.

The event attracted supporters from across the state who gathered to demonstrate their support for Misau and the new political alignment.

Speaking at the ceremony, Misau said the decision to leave the PRP followed what he described as persistent interference in the affairs of the party and the marginalisation of duly elected executives at the state, local government and ward levels.

He alleged that the party’s national leadership in Abuja sidelined elected executives and subsequently issued a circular that, according to him, further deepened divisions within the party.

Misau said the developments had contributed to the crisis within the party and affected its preparations for elections.

The former chairman described the defectors as committed members who had contributed to the growth of the PRP over the years, but alleged that they were subsequently sidelined by individuals he referred to as “interlopers”.

He said the affected members decided to leave the party after considering alternative political platforms that shared their ideals of good governance, freedom, development and prosperity.

Misau said 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.

He added that Pate’s contributions to human development and the progress of Bauchi State were also among the factors that influenced their decision to join the APC.

According to him, the defectors believed that the APC provided a platform through which they could contribute to the development of Bauchi State and Nigeria.

Misau urged his supporters and other residents of the 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 adversity.

Misau expressed optimism that the new political alignment would contribute to greater unity and development in Bauchi State.