By Musa Baba Adamu with agency report
Governor Umaru Bago has called on executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State to remain neutral as the party prepares for its primary elections.
Bago made the appeal during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting held in Minna, where he cautioned aspirants against offering inducements to party officials, warning that such actions would be treated as bribery.
The governor emphasised the need for consensus in selecting candidates, noting that it would simplify the process and strengthen party cohesion.
He, however, stated that direct primaries would be adopted in areas where consensus could not be reached.
According to him, key stakeholders from the state’s 25 local government areas are expected to meet within the next two weeks to agree on consensus candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly positions.
Bago also urged stakeholders to respect existing zoning arrangements, while encouraging areas without such frameworks to consider adopting them.
He assured aspirants of a fair process and called for unity among party members ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his remarks, the APC North-Central Vice Chairman, Mu’azu Bawa-Rijau, pledged a level playing field for all aspirants.
Similarly, the Niger State APC Chairman, Aminu Musa-Bobi, said the meeting was convened to gather stakeholders’ input on the mode of primaries to be adopted.
Also speaking, Mohammed Idris described the meeting as unprecedented, urging aspirants to accept the outcome of the primaries and work collectively for the party’s success.
Other stakeholders from the three senatorial districts echoed calls for unity, fairness, and cooperation among party members.
