With about six months to the 2027 general elections, Niger State’s political landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation as parties reposition, old alliances are tested and new ones begin to emerge.

What started as disagreements over the outcome of party primaries has evolved into defections, reconciliation efforts and intensified political consultations, setting the stage for what many observers believe could be one of the state’s most competitive governorship contests in recent years.

For the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, the task is to preserve its dominance and unite members after divisive party primaries.

Opposition parties, on the other hand, are seeking to convert the cracks within the ruling party into electoral gains, insisting that security, governance, public spending and economic realities have reshaped the political conversation ahead of the polls.

Amid the shifting alliances, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, is battling its own internal disputes over leadership and candidacies, while the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, says it remains firmly in contention despite growing attention on the APC and the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

As political actors intensify consultations and parties rebuild their structures, DAILY POST examines the events shaping the race, the competing narratives from the major political players and the issues that could influence voters when Niger people eventually head to the polls.

Fallout from APC Primaries

The current political realignments can be traced to the APC primaries held in May 2026, where candidates emerged for various elective positions ahead of next year’s elections.

Although party leaders hailed the exercise as successful, its outcome left some aspirants dissatisfied, with complaints over the emergence of candidates in some constituencies.

Some aggrieved members remained in the APC to seek reconciliation, but others began exploring political alternatives, setting the stage for one of the biggest waves of defections witnessed in the state in recent years.

Political observers say the fallout from the primaries has continued to influence political calculations, forcing both the ruling party and the opposition to review their strategies ahead of the election.

Defections Alter Political Calculations

Those calculations became more pronounced on Thursday, July 16, 2026, when the Niger Rescue Movement Political Family announced its decision to dump the APC for the ADC.

The political family, led by former Chief of Staff to former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, Maikil Al-Amin Bmitosahi, defected alongside former commissioners, former local government chairmen, former councillors and other party loyalists.

The defectors cited dissatisfaction with developments in the APC led administration of Governor Bago following the primaries and declared their intention to work for political change ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Their decision immediately sparked debate across the state, with supporters and critics of the ruling party offering different interpretations of what it could mean for the governorship race.

Opposition parties described the defections as evidence that cracks were beginning to appear within the APC. The ruling party, on its part, dismissed the move as politically insignificant, insisting it remained united and focused.

Bago Moves to Reconcile Aggrieved Members

Days later, Governor Bago convened a special meeting with APC candidates and unsuccessful aspirants, a move seen as part of efforts to consolidate the party and address concerns arising from the primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.

The defections and post-primary discontent prompted the APC leadership to step up efforts to restore confidence within its ranks.

The meeting, held on Saturday, July 25, brought together Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, APC North Central Zonal Vice Chairman Mu’azu Bawa Rijau, APC State Chairman Aminu Musa Bobi, candidates, aspirants and other party stakeholders.

According to the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the meeting was aimed at strengthening unity among party members and evolving strategies to ensure victory for all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Addressing the gathering, Bago urged party members to remain committed to the APC, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and his administration’s New Niger Agenda.

He stressed that loyalty and unity remained critical to the party’s success, urging members to place the collective interest of the APC above personal ambitions.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for candidates and aspirants to deliberate on issues arising from the primaries and offer suggestions on strengthening the party ahead of the elections.

The reconciliation meeting came days after Governor Bago made remarks that generated political reactions across the state.

‘I Have Their Files’

During a sympathy visit to Kagara following the communal violence in Rafi Local Government Area, the governor disclosed that he had records relating to the immediate past administration but had deliberately chosen not to investigate former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello.

According to him, although some people had urged him to probe his predecessor, he considered peace and stability more important than political vendetta.

Bago also criticised politicians who left the APC after the primaries, suggesting that some were driven by personal interests rather than the overall interest of the state.

He further warned against fake news and misinformation, directing security agencies to investigate individuals spreading information capable of causing public disorder.

Government Dismisses Claims of Political Rift

Amid the political speculations, the state government dismissed reports suggesting that influential stakeholders had withdrawn support for Governor Bago.

Speaking with DAILY POST, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, said there was no truth to claims that elder statesmen in the state were opposed to the governor’s re-election.

He said former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar remained supportive of the administration, adding that both leaders had continued to commend Governor Bago’s developmental efforts.

Bologi also dismissed claims that the governor was facing an internal rebellion within the APC, insisting that reconciliation efforts were already yielding results.

According to him, the meeting with candidates and aspirants demonstrated the party’s resolve to close ranks and approach the 2027 elections as a united family.

ADC Sees Opportunity

If the APC insists the post-primary crisis has been brought under control, the opposition believes the developments present an opportunity to reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of 2027.

The governorship candidate of the ADC, Dr. Mohammed Kpautagi Mohammed, accused the Bago administration of poor governance, lack of transparency and disregard for due process, urging Niger people to vote out the ruling APC in the next election.

Kpautagi promised that an ADC administration would prioritise security, healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, local government autonomy and prudent management of public resources.

He also maintained that insecurity, economic hardship and what he described as poor governance had created the need for a change in leadership.

An ADC chieftain, Dr. Abdullahi Ishaq, said the party was not depending solely on the recent defections from the APC but had been quietly strengthening its structures across the state before the current political realignments.

According to him, the recent influx of politicians into the ADC would further boost the party’s grassroots mobilisation ahead of the election.

He argued that insecurity had remained the biggest challenge confronting many communities in Niger State, adding that governance should be measured not only by physical infrastructure but also by the protection of lives and livelihoods.

Ishaq also said issues of fiscal responsibility, public spending, humanitarian support for victims of insecurity and service delivery would feature prominently in the party’s campaign.

PDP Rejects Third Force Label

On its part, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has, however, dismissed suggestions that the governorship contest would be between only the APC and the ADC.

Speaking with DAILY POST, the party’s State Secretary, Hamidu A. A. Kadi Kuta said the PDP remained a strong political force and should not be excluded from any assessment of the 2027 race.

He expressed confidence that more political realignments would occur before the election, insisting that the PDP had the structure and capacity to challenge for power.

According to him, the party was concentrating on strengthening its organisation across the state and ensuring that all its candidates were properly uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.

On Governor Bago’s performance, Kadi Kuta declined to give a direct assessment, saying it was for Niger people to compare the present administration with previous governments of PDP and decide who deserved their mandate.

NDC Battles Internal Crisis

Even as opposition parties attempt to capitalise on the APC’s internal challenges, the NDC is battling a crisis that has also raised questions about its preparedness for the election.

In an early July statement, a House of Representatives aspirant for Bida/Katcha/Gbako Federal Constituency, Mohammed Abubakar Katcha, called for the resignation of the party’s Niger State Chairman, Ahmed Inuwa.

Katcha alleged that the chairman had “mortgaged the party in Niger State to advance the interests of APC candidates,” warning that such actions could undermine the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.

He also accused the state leadership of compromising the party’s internal processes and appealed to the national leadership to intervene before the situation deteriorated further.

The uncertainty appears to have extended to the governorship ticket, with Alhaji Yahaya Muhammad Guregi and Idris Usman Makanta, popularly known as Shinkafan Nupe, both laying claim to being the party’s governorship candidate.

A source within the party, who requested anonymity, told DAILY POST that the lingering dispute had unsettled many members of the party.

“As it is, our party is not in order. We still have issues resulting from our primaries aside from the governorship candidate wahala. We feel there are forces out to destabilise our party,” the source said.

Checks by DAILY POST showed that both aspirants have their posters displayed in parts of the state, each presenting himself as the party’s governorship candidate.

Although some political observers have linked the crisis to alleged attempts to weaken the NDC ahead of the election, Makanta, in a separate interview with journalists, however, denied claims that he was in the party to work for Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago or the APC.

Governance Takes Centre Stage

Beyond the shifting political alliances, governance is expected to dominate the conversation ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Security, infrastructure, public spending, agriculture, education, healthcare, youth employment and the state’s borrowing profile have emerged as some of the issues political parties are expected to campaign on.

Political analyst, Mark Martins said it was still too early to conclude that recent defections would determine the outcome of the election.

According to him, elections are won through effective grassroots mobilisation, party cohesion, voter acceptance and sustained political engagement rather than defections alone.

For Mahmoud Sani, a commercial bus driver in Minna, performance will be the deciding factor.

“It is not going to be about party but individual performance. Even if a candidate has never held public office before, I will look at the person’s antecedents and success story. Nigerians should vote for whoever has the capacity to deliver.”

With campaigns soon to officially commence, political calculations in Niger State remain fluid.

The APC says it has begun reconciling aggrieved members and remains confident of retaining power.

The ADC believes the recent defections and public dissatisfaction have strengthened its chances, while the PDP insists it still has the structure and capacity to challenge for Government House.

The NDC, however, faces the immediate task of resolving its internal disputes before presenting itself as a viable alternative.

For many residents, party affiliation alone may no longer be enough.

As political parties continue to mobilise support and consolidate their positions, the ultimate verdict will rest with the electorate, whose votes will determine whether the ruling APC secures another term or whether the opposition succeeds in changing the political direction of Niger State.

•SSG regains freedom, APC kicks

•They plan to arrest me too — Osun speaker

OSOGBO— FOLLOWING the detention of Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr Teslim Igbalaye, by operatives of the police command over alleged vote buying, Governor Ademola Adeleke, yesterday, declared that the people of the state will not succumb to any form of external interfereance or intimidation as the August 15 governorship election draws near.

This came as the Police command confirmed the release of the SSG from its custody.

Igbalaye was detained along with five others for allegedly committing vote-buying-related offences, as the police recovered Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, cash sums and voters’ register from his house.

He was detained alongside five others after the police raided his private residence in Osogbo.

Although Adeleke did not directly address the detention in his post, he maintained that no amount of intimidation or harassment would make the people of the state succumb to fear ahead of the election.

The governor maintained that the verdict of the people would prevail, adding that “independent polls consistently point to a clear and decisive victory for Accord Party, because the people can see and feel the impact” of his administration.

He stated: “Throughout the history of Osun State, our people have never bowed to intimidation. We are resilient, determined, and fiercely protective of our rights.

“As we approach the August 15 governorship election, I have absolute confidence that no amount of external interference or intimidation can override the collective will of the people of Osun State.

“From infrastructure and education to healthcare, workers’ welfare, and pension reforms, our record speaks for itself.

“By the grace of God and with the continued support of the good people of Osun, our second term will build on these achievements and deliver even greater progress for every community. The best days of Osun are still ahead.”

Osun SSG regains freedom, APC kicks

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the release of the SSG from its custody.

The Police also identified the other suspects arrested at the residence as Abiodun Arowomole, popularly known as “Ashipa,” who was described as a wanted murder suspect on the Command’s watch list, alongside Taiwo Akande, Lukman Adeyemo, Muftau Olaoye, and Musiliu Aderemi.

However, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the SSG has been released this afternoon but investigation is ongoing in the matter.

Ojelabi said: “I can only tell you that the SSG, Mr Teslim Igbalaye has been released this afternoon and investigation is still ongoing.”

APC calls for SSG’s resignation

However, the Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, called for the sack of the SSG for harbouring “wanted criminals”, since the governor pledged before the IGP to arrest his son if found wanting.

The council’s Media Committee Chairman, Remi Omowaye, tasked the governor to be true to his pledge and should not sack only the SSG but also released other wanted criminals to the police for proper investigation.

He said: “The APC Governorship Campaign Council in Osun State expresses deep concern over the frightening revelation that Governor Ademola Adeleke is working frantically to free criminals found at the residence of the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, particularly the release of the criminal suspect on the wanted list of the police, Abiodun Oladele Arowomole (aka Abbey Ashipa).

“It is strange and disheartening that Governor Ademola Adeleke, who has failed abysmally to protect the lives and property of the people of Osun, is mounting pressure on the police authorities to free a terror like Abbey Ashipa who is being wanted for the murders of no fewer than 20 citizens of Osun, mostly members and supporters of the APC in the state.

“The APC Governorship Campaign Council urges the good-spirited citizens to impress it on Governor Adeleke to stop harbouring these criminals because those who harbour criminals are no less criminals.”

They plan to arrest me too — Osun speaker

Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr Adewale Egbedun, yesterday, that Police is planning to “implicate and arrest” him ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

Egbedun was reacting to the arrest of the SSG and five others by operatives of the state police command over alleged vote-buying.

The Speaker, in a post, described Igbalaye’s arrest as an “abuse of power” by the police commissioner, which “should be a source of concern and embarrassment to every patriotic Nigerian.”

“For the past two weeks, I have received information suggesting that some of his officers have been moving around, allegedly planning and strategising on how to implicate and arrest me,” Egbedun claimed.

The speaker said his alleged disagreement with the police commissioner began after he confronted him over a reported plan by some political thugs to attack his residence.

•Asks: What did the bombing achieve?

•Optimistic that a viable Nigeria is possible

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Professor Tukur Muham++mad Baba, National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, speaks on the achievements, challenges and future of the organisation, Nigeria’s insecurity and relations with other socio-cultural groups. Excerpts:

About two decades after the establishment of the ACF, can you say the organisation has achieved its objectives, or is there still work to be done?

In general terms, I think the ACF has stayed the course with regard to its vision and mission. If those constitute its objectives, then it has largely succeeded. The ACF was established as a forum for dialogue and collective response to shared issues affecting the diverse northern-based socio-cultural groups, united largely by political geography. To that extent, the ACF has gone far in achieving its objectives.

One clear indicator is that the organisation is firmly established, credible, visible and sound. There is no doubt about that. I can even say, without apology, that the ACF is indisputably the most eminent of such groups in the country, maintaining fidelity to its founding objectives.

That said, there is still a lot more to be done. The issues confronting the organisation are dynamic in form, content and manifestation. This naturally means that strategies must constantly be reviewed and recalibrated. The ACF has engaged in such reassessments and will continue to do so if it is to remain relevant.

No social endeavour can ever be perfect. One area often mentioned is the speed of response to emerging issues. Even here, the ACF has risen to the task, though there is always room for improvement in timeliness. In summary, the ACF has done well, but it can certainly do even better.

Has the ACF been able to bring the desired unity, particularly among the Northern elite?

Yes, to a large extent, the ACF has been able to foster unity among the Northern elite. At least, there has been no total or combustible rupture. Given the nature of our society, democracy itself, and the character of elites, one should not expect total consensus or uniformity of opinion.

It is inevitable that some individuals or groups may feel their interests are not fully accommodated or that they are inadequately represented. Such persons may choose to express themselves through other platforms, which is perfectly in line with constitutional provisions on association and dissent.

Despite this, the ACF remains pre-eminent. Northern Nigeria remains a shared geopolitical entity, and that reality will endure.

What lessons emerged from the ACF anniversary organised towards the end of last year?

There are many lessons. The most positive is that, despite challenges, Northern elites can still be brought together to collectively reflect on and respond to the daunting problems confronting the region.

Secondly, the anniversary revealed the depth of concern for the North and the scale of commitment and investment required to address its challenges comprehensively.

Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, it underscored the high expectations placed on the ACF to be more active and proactive in driving efforts to revitalise the North and its political economy, given its vast but underutilised human and material resources. The ACF is expected to take a leading mobilising role and must not shy away from this responsibility. 

How does the ACF view alleged US interference in Nigeria, comments attributed to President Donald Trump, and the resurgence of terrorist attacks in the region?

Any form of foreign interference is regrettable, especially when it is avoidable. Insecurity in Nigeria is fundamentally a Nigerian problem. The ACF has consistently expressed confidence in our security agencies. Given the right leadership, directives, equipment and personnel, they are capable of addressing the challenge, as they have demonstrated in international peacekeeping missions in Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Haiti, Lebanon and elsewhere.

The so-called altruistic motivation behind US intervention is questionable. History offers sobering lessons from Vietnam, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and parts of Latin America, where such interventions yielded little success.

Even within West Africa, Sahelian countries that experimented with and later rejected US-led interventions provide clear warnings.

One must also ask: what has the bombing achieved? Why the resurgence of deadly terrorist attacks and student abductions in states like Borno, Kebbi, Niger and Kwara in the aftermath? These developments raise serious questions and may reflect failures of domestic governance rather than solutions imposed from outside. 

How is the ACF relating with other socio-cultural organisations in the country?

The ACF enjoys very cordial relations with sister socio-cultural organisations across Nigeria.

During its 25th anniversary, groups such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, the Middle Belt Forum, Niger-Delta groups and others were invited, and many attended. Even before that event, the ACF had maintained engagement with these bodies on the basis of goodwill.

We do not see them as rivals but as partners in the collective quest for a better Nigeria.

Despite monumental challenges, corruption, insecurity, economic mismanagement, poor governance, social divisions and institutional weaknesses, a viable Nigeria is still possible. What is required is principled, people-centred leadership, honest governance, unity of purpose and a renewed commitment by citizens to hard work, patriotism and national cohesion.