The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Bauchi State, Ibrahim Kashim, has resigned from the party amid speculation that he may defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Kashim, a former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government (SSG), announced his resignation in a statement dated October 16, 2026, saying the decision followed careful reflection.

He said his departure from the NDC would not affect his commitment to political reform and socio-economic development in Bauchi State.

According to him, Bauchi State “deserves purposeful leadership, a stronger economy, greater opportunities for our youths and women, improved security, and a future in which every citizen can live with dignity and hope.”

Kashim added that consultations were ongoing with political stakeholders and groups that shared his vision of a peaceful and prosperous Bauchi State.

He urged his supporters to remain calm, steadfast and united, adding that details of his next political move would be announced in due course.

Although Kashim has yet to publicly disclose his next political destination, speculation is mounting that he could join the APC, according to Premium Times.

His resignation comes amid allegations by the NDC that the ruling party has been offering financial inducements, political appointments and other incentives to persuade its candidates to defect.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NDC accused the APC of attempting to weaken its ranks by enticing some of its candidates to abandon the party.

The NDC described the alleged defections as acts of betrayal and said it would conduct fresh congresses to select replacements in affected constituencies, citing provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

However, the party did not name the candidates allegedly targeted by the APC or provide details of the purported inducements.

Kashim was appointed Secretary to the Bauchi State Government by Governor Bala Mohammed in June 2021 but resigned in December 2024 amid a political rift between the governor and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

His resignation at the time fuelled speculation about his political alignment with Wike.

Kashim's latest resignation comes as the APC continues to receive defectors from opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

SaharaReporters recently reported that a group of former legislative candidates from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the NDC had defected to the APC in Abuja.

The group, led by Princess Dr Aslam Aliyu Zamfara, was received at Buhari House by APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.

The defectors reportedly pledged to mobilise two million grassroots votes for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027.

Kashim has yet to confirm whether he intends to join the APC.