A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed, on Wednesday purchased the nomination and expression of interest forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the Niger South Senatorial seat in Niger state in the 2027 elections.
Speaking with journalists shortly after obtaining the forms at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, Ndarani said his decision to join the race followed persistent appeals from youths, community leaders and stakeholders across the Niger South senatorial district.
The legal luminary said the appeals culminated in a delegation of leaders visiting the palace of the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Dr Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, Chairman, Niger state Council of Traditional Rulers, to request that he accepts the call to contest the seat.
According to him, the overwhelming support from his people made it difficult for him to decline the request.
Ndarani who is holding the traditional titles of Hukunchi Nupe, Hukunchi Kasan Hausaland, Waziri Alkali Doko and Ndaiji Kusogi Majin Dodo said, “The major reason I entered the race for the Niger South senatorial seat is the clarion call from my people, especially the youths and top community leaders who urged me to contest.
“They even went to the palace of the Etsu Nupe to demand that I should be invited to join the race.
“It is a call that I cannot distance myself from because throughout my life I have been committed to service to humanity”.
Ndarani said he considered the senatorial bid another avenue to deepen his commitment to public service and contribute to the development of Niger South.
The legal icon said education would be his top priority if elected, adding that he would pursue policies that would guarantee access to free education across the district.
“Education is light. Once a community embraces education, it gains an edge in development socially, politically and economically,” he said.
He also identified the revitalisation of the Baro Port and development of the Bida Basin as key economic priorities.
He said developing the two resources would stimulate economic activities and create employment opportunities for youths in the senatorial district.
Ndarani added that his development blueprint for Niger South is encapsulated in a 12-point agenda aimed at improving living standards in the area.
He pledged to sponsor bills at the National Assembly to address infrastructural challenges, particularly the rehabilitation of major federal highways linking communities in the district.
The aspirant identified roads such as the Lambata–Lapai-Bida and Bida-Nupeko-Patigi road as well as the Bida–Jebba corridor as critical routes requiring urgent federal intervention.
According to him, the roads fall under Trunk A roads on the Exclusive Legislative list of the constitution, making them the responsibility of the federal government.
Ndarani said his legal background would give him an advantage in lawmaking and policy formulation at the National Assembly.
“With my understanding of the constitution and legislative processes, I will be able to sponsor bills and motions that will bring development to Niger South,” the legal luminary added.
He expressed confidence that the leadership of the APC would conduct free, fair and transparent primaries.
Ndarani also expressed confidence in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Mohammed Umaru-Bago to ensure credible party processes.
On the issue of the proposed 13 per cent derivation for hydroelectric power generating states, the aspirant said he had previously initiated legal action to advance the interest of Niger state.
According to him, he personally filed a suit at the Supreme Court seeking constitutional recognition for Niger state to benefit from electricity generation derivation.
He expressed optimism that with the support of the people, Niger South would witness accelerated development and economic growth.