After Defections, Bago Moves to Rebuild APC Unity
Warns Former Appointees Against 'Noise Politics'
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has launched a fresh effort to mend cracks within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following a wave of defections and growing discontent arising from the party’s recently concluded primaries.
The governor convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Minna, where he met with many of the aspirants who lost out in the consensus process that produced the party’s candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The reconciliation move comes amid mounting unease within the APC, with several aggrieved aspirants reportedly holding consultations in Abuja last week over the outcome of the primaries.
The internal crisis deepened after a number of former commissioners, ex-local government chairmen, former councillors and political appointees from the administration of former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello dumped the APC.
The latest defections were led by Bello’s former Chief of Staff, Alhaji Maikil Bmitosahi, who accused Governor Bago of operating what he described as a “one-man government.”
Apparently concerned by the growing disaffection within the party, Bago appealed to dissatisfied members to put the primaries behind them and remain committed to the APC.
He commended the aspirants for their patience and maturity throughout the process and urged them to continue supporting both the party and his administration in the interest of Niger State’s development.
The governor assured them that his administration operates an open-door policy and promised that qualified party members would be considered for various appointments.
“My government remains open to everyone. There are opportunities to serve, and together we can continue to build a stronger Niger State,” he said.
However, Bago struck a tougher tone for those contemplating leaving the APC, warning that anyone choosing to defect should do so quietly rather than publicly attacking the government.
He disclosed that he possessed files relating to the activities of former political appointees in the immediate past administration but had deliberately refrained from acting on them in the interest of peace.
“I have the files of all the former appointees and their dirty deals, but I have kept quiet because I want peace to reign in the state,” the governor said.
Drawing a parallel with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s style of leadership, Bago declared that those he described as “noise makers” should not mistake his restraint for weakness.
“My father cannot be ruthless and I will be quiet,” he said, adding that he would not hesitate to act when necessary.
The governor also cautioned social media users against spreading what he described as false information capable of undermining his administration, urging critics to make use of the Freedom of Information Act where necessary rather than disseminating misinformation.
In separate remarks, APC National Vice Chairman (North Central), Mu’azu Bawa, and the Niger State APC Chairman, Musa Bobi, praised Bago’s leadership, describing him as a unifying force whose administration had strengthened the party in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the unsuccessful House of Representatives aspirants, Hon. Abdulrazak Jakadan Borgu pledged the group’s continued loyalty to the APC and acceptance of the primary election outcome.
He assured the governor that the aspirants remained committed to the party’s unity and would mobilise support to ensure its victory in the 2027 general elections.