2027: Niger Political Appointees Reluctant To Resign

Barely a week after the Niger State government gave political appointees aspiring for elective positions in 2027 an ultimatum to resign their appointments, only one commissioner, Arafat Haruna Magaji, has tendered his resignation.

Magaji was until his resignation the commissioner for commerce, industry and cooperatives and was aspiring for the House of Representatives seat for Gurara, Suleja and Tafa Federal Constituency.

His resignation followed a statement last weekend by the Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman asking those appointed and aspiring to contest in 2027 to resign.

It was learnt that most of those who had indicated interest to contest are foot-dragging following the body language of the governor and the feedback from their various constituencies.

Sources close to the government hinted that some of them were expecting the government’s endorsements and assurances to get the party’s ticket, a move the governor refused to make.

A reliable source said, “Many of them are afraid of losing at the primaries  as well as their cabinet positions, they are waiting for the  governor’s endorsement that has refused to come.”

LEADERSHIP Weekend gathered that the position of the state government was sequel to  the release of the revised timetable for the 2027 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The SSG noted that the law required public office holders who intend to contest elections to resign their appointments at least one month before the commencement of party primaries.

It was observed that no fewer than 10 top government appointees were ready to resign their appointments to pursue their aspirations but almost a week after the government’s position only Magaji has complied.

In his resignation letter made available to LEADERSHIP Weekend, he thanked Governor Mohammed Bago for  the opportunity to serve in his government, saying,

“My resignation is in compliance with the directive of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the instruction of His Excellency that any political appointee aspiring to contest in the forthcoming elections must resign on or before the 23rd of this month.”