…As ex-commissioners, lawmakers, party leaders finalise mass defection plans
President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, have been urged to urgently intervene to restore unity in the Niger State chapter of the party, amid growing concerns over an imminent mass defection by influential stakeholders.
The call follows fresh indications of a looming political upheaval within the ruling party in the state, as influential stakeholders, including former commissioners, ex-political appointees, serving lawmakers and grassroots leaders, are reportedly perfecting plans for a mass defection from the party.
Multiple sources familiar with the development disclosed that consultations have intensified in recent weeks amid growing dissatisfaction over alleged exclusion, political marginalisation and the conduct of internal party affairs.
The development is already generating anxiety within political circles in the state, with observers warning that any large-scale defection could trigger one of the biggest political realignments in Niger State since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Investigations revealed that the aggrieved camp comprises former commissioners who served under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, former appointees of former Governor and Senator representing Niger North, Abubakar Sani Bello, members of the State House of Assembly and several party leaders who are said to be unhappy with recent political developments within the APC.
A key member of the coalition from the Suleja Emirate, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, disclosed that the group had resolved to await the release of the APC’s authentic list of candidates before making its next political move.
According to the source, the planned action is intended to challenge what he described as the growing concentration of political power in the hands of a few individuals.
“This movement will shake the foundation of the APC in Niger State. Politics belongs to the people and not to one individual. Many loyal party members who laboured for the party’s success now feel alienated and ignored.”
He further disclosed that consultations were ongoing with influential political actors, community leaders and grassroots structures across the 25 local government areas of the state.
“We are building a formidable coalition that cuts across all political interests. Once our position is made public, many people will understand that the current situation within the party is unsustainable.”
Political analysts believe the emerging crisis may not be unconnected with the battle for political supremacy ahead of the 2027 general elections, as various interest groups seek to reposition themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The APC has maintained a dominant political presence in Niger State for over a decade, producing governors, lawmakers and other key political office holders.
However, recent developments suggest that internal disagreements and unresolved grievances may be gradually eroding the party’s unity.
Observers note that the alleged discontent among party stakeholders could have far-reaching implications, particularly if prominent political figures with established political structures decide to align with opposition parties or form a new political bloc.
“There is no political party that can afford to ignore its grassroots leaders and longstanding loyalists,” a political analyst in Minna told our correspondent.
“If these aggrieved stakeholders eventually leave the APC, it could significantly alter the political equation in Niger State and make the 2027 elections more competitive than previously anticipated,” the analyst added.
On his part, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, former Senior Aide to former Governor Bello, called on President Bola Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to urgently intervene to save the soul of the party in Niger State.
“As it stands now, if the President or the National Chairman do not quickly intervene, I doubt if there would be anything left in Niger APC after 2027. This was the same party we laboured to build; it is unfortunately disintegrating under our watch, just for the selfishness of a microscopic few.”
A former Chairman of Lapai Local Government Area, who also pleaded anonymity, confirmed to our correspondent that stakeholders in the area had concluded arrangements to quit the APC, while expressing fears that those who remain in the party could engage in anti-party activities during the 2027 elections.
Although it remains unclear which political platform the aggrieved politicians may eventually adopt, sources hinted that preliminary discussions had already commenced with leaders of other political parties and emerging political movements.
Efforts to obtain official reactions from the Niger State APC leadership were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to some key officials were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the unfolding developments in Niger State may signal the beginning of an intense struggle for control of the state’s political structure, with potential consequences for the APC’s continued dominance in one of its traditional strongholds in the North Central region.
