Gov. Bago harps on neutrality ahead of party primaries

​From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

​Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has advised All Progressives Congress (APC) officials in Niger State to maintain absolute neutrality during the upcoming party primary elections.
​The Governor gave this directive during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting held at the Hauwa Wali Multipurpose Hall, Government House, Minna.
He urged officials to respect existing zoning arrangements and suggested that areas currently without such structures consider implementing them to ensure equity.
​Governor Bago issued a stern warning to aspirants regarding financial inducishments, stating that no candidate should offer money to party officials, as such acts would be classified as bribery.
​While emphasizing the importance of consensus to streamline the selection process, the Governor noted that if a mutual agreement cannot be reached, the party will proceed with direct primary elections.
He reassured all aspirants of a level playing field and pledged to maintain unity within the APC.
​Mu’azu Bawa Rijau, the APC Vice Chairman for the North Central zone, reaffirmed the party’s dedication to fairness.
He dismissed rumors regarding “automatic tickets” for certain aspirants, clarifying that no such guarantees have been authorized.
​The Niger State APC Chairman, Aminu Musa Bobi, explained that the meeting served as a vital forum for gathering input on the primary process, reaffirming his commitment to the party’s continued growth in the state.
​​The meeting drew commendation from high-ranking officials and party stalwarts like ​Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi (Minister of Information and National Orientation) who described the gathering as unprecedented and urged aspirants to accept the eventual results in the interest of electoral success.
​Senator Abubakar Sani Bello (Former Governor) alongside the Minister of State for Agriculture, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, applauded Governor Bago’s leadership and called for unity regardless of the primary model adopted
Delegates from all three districts echoed the need for justice and fairness, while also suggesting the development of a comprehensive compensation plan for aspirants who step down during the process.