…Stakeholders Seek Tinubu’s Intervention
By Philomina Brando
Fresh indications have emerged of a looming political upheaval within the Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress as influential stakeholders, including former commissioners, ex-political appointees, serving lawmakers and grassroots leaders, perfect plans for a mass defection from the ruling party.
Multiple sources familiar with the development told our correspondent that consultations have intensified in recent weeks amid growing dissatisfaction over alleged exclusion, political marginalisation and the conduct of internal party affairs.
The development is already generating anxiety within political circles in the state, with observers warning that any large-scale defection could trigger one of the biggest political realignments in Niger State since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Findings showed that the aggrieved camp comprises former commissioners who served under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, former appointees of ex-Governor and Senator representing Niger North, Abubakar Sani Bello, members of the State House of Assembly and several party leaders said to be unhappy with recent developments within the APC.
A key member of the coalition from the Suleja Emirate, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, disclosed that the group had resolved to await the release of the party’s authentic list of candidates before taking its next political step.
“This movement will shake the foundation of the APC in Niger State. Politics belongs to the people and not to one individual. Many loyal party members who laboured for the party’s success now feel alienated and ignored,” the source said.
He added that consultations were ongoing with influential political actors, community leaders and grassroots structures across the 25 local government areas of the state.
“We are building a formidable coalition that cuts across all political interests. Once our position is made public, many people will understand that the current situation within the party is unsustainable,” he added.
Political analysts believe the emerging crisis may not be unconnected with the battle for political supremacy ahead of the 2027 general elections, as various interest groups reposition for the next electoral cycle.
The APC has maintained a dominant political presence in Niger State for over a decade, producing governors, lawmakers and key office holders. However, recent developments suggest that internal disagreements and unresolved grievances may be eroding the party’s unity.
Observers warned that the discontent among stakeholders could have far-reaching implications, particularly if prominent political figures with established structures align with opposition parties or form a new bloc.
“There is no political party that can afford to ignore its grassroots leaders and longstanding loyalists,” a political analyst in Minna said.
“If these aggrieved stakeholders eventually leave the APC, it could significantly alter the political equation in Niger State and make the 2027 elections more competitive than previously anticipated,” the analyst added.
Meanwhile, a former senior aide to ex-Governor Bello, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, called on President Bola Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to urgently intervene to save the party.
“As it stands now, if the President or the National Chairman do not quickly intervene, I doubt if there would be anything left in Niger APC after 2027. This was the same party we laboured to build; it is unfortunately disintegrating under our watch due to the selfishness of a few,” Idris said.
Also, a former Chairman of Lapai Local Government Area, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that stakeholders in the area had concluded arrangements to dump the APC, expressing fears that those who remain might engage in anti-party activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
Although it remains unclear which platform the aggrieved politicians may adopt, sources hinted that preliminary talks had begun with leaders of other political parties and emerging movements.
Efforts to get official reactions from the Niger State APC leadership were unsuccessful as calls and messages sent to key officials were not returned as of the time of filing this report.
As political activities gather momentum ahead of 2027, the unfolding developments in Niger State signal an intense struggle for control of the state’s political structure, with potential consequences for the APC’s dominance in the North-Central region.