The Governor of Niger State, Umaru Bago, has called on executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to maintain strict neutrality in the conduct of the party’s forthcoming primary elections.
Bago made the call during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting held at the Hauwa Wali Multipurpose Hall, Government House, Minna, on Tuesday, where he stressed that fairness and transparency must guide the entire process.
He cautioned aspirants against offering money or inducements to party officials, describing such actions as bribery that would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The governor underscored the importance of consensus in selecting candidates, noting that it remains the preferred option for the party as it promotes unity and reduces internal conflicts. However, he explained that where consensus cannot be reached, the party would adopt a direct primary election process.
He revealed that critical APC stakeholders across all local government areas in the state would convene within the next two weeks to deliberate and produce consensus candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly seats.
The governor also advised stakeholders to respect existing zoning arrangements in their respective areas, while encouraging those without such frameworks to consider adopting them going forward. He assured all aspirants of a level playing field, reiterating that the APC in Niger State would remain united and strong.
In his address, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, described the meeting as unprecedented, noting that it provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the party’s decision-making process.
He urged aspirants to accept the outcome of the primaries and work collectively towards the party’s success in the general elections.
On his part, the APC vice chairman, North Central, Mu’azu Rijau, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity. He dismissed reports suggesting he had guaranteed automatic tickets to certain aspirants, clarifying that he holds no such authority.
The Niger State APC Chairman, Aminu Bobi, explained that the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to gather input on the most suitable mode of primary elections. He assured members of his commitment to the growth and progress of the party.
Former Niger State Governor and Senator representing Niger North, Abubakar Sani Bello, alongside the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, commended Governor Bago’s leadership and called for unity, fairness, and transparency in the selection process.
Other speakers, including the deputy governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba; former deputy governors Musa Ibeto and Ahmed Ketso; as well as prominent stakeholders such as Amb. Zubairu Dada, Yakubu Abubakar, Sani Mustapha, Abubakar Magaji, and Muhammad Dabban, emphasised the need for party unity regardless of the outcome of the primaries.
They also urged aspirants to caution their supporters, particularly on the use of social media, to avoid inflammatory comments that could heighten political tension.
Stakeholders from the three senatorial districts echoed the call for justice, equity, and fairness in whichever mode of primary election the party adopts, while also advocating for a robust compensation mechanism for unsuccessful aspirants.