Niger State’s political landscape is undergoing significant changes ahead of the 2027 general elections, as disputed party primaries, defections and shifting alliances test the unity of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and reshape the opposition.
The disagreements have centred largely on the APC’s Niger South senatorial primary, which produced Idris Legbo Kutigi as the party’s candidate in May 2026. Several aspirants, including former Federal Inland Revenue Service chairman Muhammad Nami and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed, challenged the outcome, alleging irregularities in the process. Attempts by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago to reconcile the aggrieved aspirants failed to resolve the dispute.
The fallout has since extended into the governorship race. Nami, who initially sought the APC governorship ticket before switching his focus to the Senate, emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate on August 29 after Architect Abubakar Suleiman withdrew from the contest. Nami has criticised the Bago administration over security, water shortages and public spending, while unveiling a 10-point agenda focused on governance, healthcare, employment and human capital development.
Ndarani has also moved away from the APC and emerged as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, with Japhet Pada Samson as his running mate. His candidacy offers another platform for dissatisfied APC members, although the PDP and SDP are pursuing separate campaigns. Meanwhile, Nami has held consultations with political figures, including former PDP governorship candidate Umar Mohammed Nasko, as he seeks to broaden support.
Defections have also strengthened the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In July, the Niger Rescue Movement Political Family, led by former chief of staff to ex-governor Abubakar Sani Bello, Maikil Al-Amin Bmitosahi, announced its defection to the party. More than 200 APC members from Bosso also reportedly joined the ADC, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s primary elections and internal power arrangements. However, movement has not been entirely one-sided: former PDP state chairman Tanko Beji defected to the APC in August and was subsequently appointed deputy director-general of its Niger campaign council.
Other developments have added to the uncertainty within the ruling party. Fifteen members of the Niger State House of Assembly, known as the G-15, were reported to be considering defection after failing to secure return tickets. Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji later denied reports of a mass exit, while the group’s spokesman, Mohammed A. Haruna, said the disagreements had been resolved and all 27 lawmakers remained in the APC. Separately, Jonathan Tsado Vatsa, a founding member and former state publicity secretary of the APC, resigned on October 19 after 13 years in the party, describing the decision as personal without specifying a reason.
In an effort to consolidate its position, the APC unveiled a 550-member Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign Council on October 14. Former Deputy Governor Ahmed Musa Ibeto was named director-general, with Beji as deputy director-general and Barrister Manko Bagudu as secretary. The council comprises three committees and 17 directorates covering areas including finance, media, security, logistics, legal services, youth mobilisation and women mobilisation. However, reports that some appointees learned of their appointments through online announcements have raised questions about the party’s internal communication.
Campaign activities have also generated disputes over political materials. Opposition parties and candidates have alleged that some billboards and campaign materials were removed or that permission to install them was denied. Nami has also alleged that his posters and banners were targeted, while the APC has complained about the vandalism of its own materials by aggrieved members and supporters. The allegations have added to tensions as parties seek to establish their presence across the state.
The emerging contest reflects a broader struggle over candidates, grassroots networks and political loyalty. While the APC is working to reconcile internal factions and organise its campaign machinery, the PDP, SDP and ADC are seeking to capitalise on dissatisfaction within the ruling party. The extent to which defections and nomination disputes translate into sustained voter support will depend on the parties’ ability to build effective campaign structures, maintain alliances and address voters’ concerns ahead of the 2027 elections.
