The 27 members of the Niger State House of Assembly have denied reports that 15 lawmakers are planning to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The lawmakers described the reports as baseless and politically motivated, saying there is no plan by any member of the assembly to leave the APC.
Speaking at a joint press briefing in Minna on Tuesday, shortly before plenary, Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkindaji said the rumour was intended to create division among members of the House.
Sarkindaji said the lawmakers being referred to as the “G-15” had accepted the outcome of the APC primaries and consensus arrangements and resolved to remain loyal to the party.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we are all here together today as one family, as members of the 10th Assembly and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress,” the Speaker said.
He added that the assembly had investigated the reports and found no evidence that any member was negotiating with opposition parties.
“We members of this Assembly are one and united family. We are behind APC, we are for APC and will continue to be for APC,” Sarkindaji said.
The Speaker also reaffirmed the lawmakers’ support for Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
He commended Tinubu for appointing Bago as North-Central Zonal Coordinator of the Presidential Campaign Council, assuring that the lawmakers would support the governor.
Sarkindaji said the APC in Niger State was determined to deliver the North-Central geopolitical zone to the party in 2027.
Speaking on behalf of the G-15, Hon. Mohammed A. Haruna said members who did not secure tickets during the last party primaries had no reason to leave the APC.
Haruna said the group remained united behind the APC, Governor Bago and President Tinubu.
“Any rumour that is spreading anywhere is immaterial at this time. We are united, we have not lost any member to any party or any opposition. We will conquer and we will deliver in 2027,” he said.