Kpautagi slams Niger gov. Bago over alleged procurement violations

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

The gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Niger State, Dr. Mohammed Kpautagi Mohammed, has called on the state electorate to vote out the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in Minna, Dr. Kpautagi accused Governor Bago’s administration of gross incompetence, lack of transparency, systemic corruption, and disregard for procurement laws and due process in contract awards.
Kpautagi claimed that the governor’s leadership style has marginalized key state institutions, leaving ministries, departments, agencies, and local government councils redundant while power remains concentrated among a select few.
“Nigerlites, including members of the APC, are fed up with Governor Bago’s refusal to listen to advice or respect constituted authority.
“His failure to follow due process, obey procurement laws, and prevent inflated contracts comes at a huge detriment to the masses,” Kpautagi said.
Dr. Kpautagi, a retired director from the Federal Ministry of Works and a professional town planner, outlined several core critiques and policy pledges ahead of the 2027 polls.
He argued that governor Bago’s current performance is consistent with his 12-year tenure in the House of Representatives representing Chanchaga Federal Constituency, where he alleged Bago failed to execute any major impactful projects.
Addressing political zoning, Kpautagi affirmed his commitment to respecting the state’s traditional zoning arrangement.
As a candidate from Niger South (Zone A), he proposed serving a single four-year term before handing over power to a successor from Zone B under a negotiated agreement.
If elected, the ADC candidate promised to stabilize state governance within 18 months, prioritizing local government autonomy, educational reform, healthcare, infrastructure, water and power supply, and practical agricultural initiatives.
Kpautagi revealed plans to lead a state-wide reconciliation effort within the ADC to unite aggrieved members and receive incoming defectors from the ruling APC before official campaign activities begin.