Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has withdrawn from the race for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Bauchi State.

With his withdrawal, the contest for the party’s governorship nomination is now narrowed to two leading aspirants: former Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.

The development comes amid intensified political maneuvering within the APC ahead of its governorship primaries, as stakeholders continue consultations and alignments across the state’s political blocs.

Senator Buba had earlier joined other prominent figures in the race but has now stepped aside, altering the dynamics of the party’s internal contest.

Both remaining contenders—Abubakar and Tuggar—are expected to continue mobilising support ahead of the party’s selection process as the APC prepares for a competitive primary season in Bauchi State.

The Bauchi governorship race remains one of the most closely watched contests within the APC, given the prominence of the aspirants and the strategic importance of the state in the North-East political landscape.