The Niger State House of Assembly on Tuesday abruptly cut short its one-month recess to confirm six new commissioners nominated by Governor Umaru Bago, as the ruling All Progressives Congress moves to strengthen its political machinery ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The six nominees are replacing commissioners who resigned from Bago’s cabinet to pursue their political ambitions ahead of the elections, with the Speaker, Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin Daji describing the new appointees as experienced “grassroots politicians” needed by the APC as the campaign season gathers momentum.
Those confirmed by the lawmakers are Dr Lucky Barau from Gurara Local Government Area; Hon Isah Wakili from Bosso; Dr Isah Adamu from Kontagora; Hon Emmanuel Alamu from Magama; Hon Shuaibu Saidu Kaboji from Mashegu; and Mallam Mohammed Danladi Garba from Borgu.
The nominees appeared before the lawmakers during an emergency plenary and were asked to “take a bow and leave” after brief introductions and presentations of their track records.
The Speaker, who presided over the sitting, said the Assembly had to suspend its recess because the appointment of commissioners was a matter requiring urgent attention.
He said the timing was also important as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections had formally begun.
According to him, the ruling All Progressives Congress would need the experience of the new commissioners, whom he described as “grassroots politicians.”
The Speaker urged the nominees to justify their appointments by contributing to the administration’s “New Niger Agenda.”
He told them that their appointments represented “a greater call to the service of the state.”
“Your experience is highly needed to drive the New Niger Agenda of this administration at this crucial moment,” he said.
The Speaker added that Governor Bago chose the nominees because of their records and expected them to deliver in their respective assignments.
The confirmation brings the six nominees into the state cabinet following the exit of the former commissioners who stepped down to pursue their political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.