The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar (rtd), has said his party did not fail despite losing the governorship election to the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking when he paid a thank-you visit to APC supporters at the party secretariat in the state on Monday, Abubakar said APC has come to stay in the state.

Abubakar explained, "Despite the fact that we did not win the election, it does not mean we failed; we always succeed in everything we do, and I am assuring you that come 2027, the party will bounce back. I want you to remain committed and loyal to the party no matter the challenge. I assure you that we will smile again at the end of the day."

Abubakar emphasised the need for party stakeholders to unite and keep aside the blame-game and refocus on building and uniting its members, because "the moment you allow external forces to divide the people, that will be the beginning of failure and disintegration of society."

He lamented the state of negligence of youths and women, warning that things must change in the positive to save the future of unborn generations.

He also condemned the travails of Bauchi-based Islamic Cleric and Chief Imam of Dutsen Tanshi Mosque, Idris Abdulaziz, who is declared wanted by the police, saying the political witch-hunt against the cleric was uncalled-for.

Responding, Bauchi State APC chairman, Muhammed Hassan Tilde, thanked Abubakar for his support for the party and its candidates during the recent rerun elections in four state assembly constituencies.