2027: Niger Sustains Zoning As Bago Warns Against Bribing Party Officials

Niger State governor, Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) will sustain zoning for the emergence of candidates in the forthcoming primaries in the state.

The governor spoke at an expanded stakeholders’ meeting of the party at the Hauwa Wali Multipurpose Hall, Government House, Minna.

He warned against bribing political party officials.

Bago admonished the stakeholders to respect the zoning system in areas where it already existed, while areas without it should consider implementing it in the future.

He, however, said consensus would be adopted to select candidates for the 2027 general elections, while enjoining the APC executives in the state to remain neutral in the conduct of the party’s primary election.

While advising that no aspirant should give money to party officials, Bago said that doing so would constitute bribery.

Bago highlighted the importance of consensus and how it will ease the party’s work; however, he disclosed that, if consensus fails, arrangements will be made for a direct primary election.

He said critical stakeholders of the APC across all the state’s local government areas will come together to produce the party’s consensus candidates for Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly positions in the next two weeks.

APC Vice Chairman, North Central, Mu’azu Bawa Rijau, emphasised that the APC will always stand for fairness by providing an enabling environment for any aspirants and debunked a report going viral that he has guaranteed automatic tickets for some aspirants, stressing that he has no powers to do so.

The Niger State APC Chairman, Aminu Musa Bobi, explained that the expanded stakeholders meeting was to obtain stakeholders’ input on the mode of primary election to be adopted and reassured them that he will continue to work for the overall growth and progress of the APC.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, described the event as unprecedented, saying it has provided APC stakeholders with an opportunity to make meaningful contributions and offer suggestions on how the party’s primary election should be conducted.

He called on all aspirants to accept the outcome of the primary elections and work collectively for the party’s success in the general elections. Also, he promised to continue abiding by the party’s decision.