Niger APC Faces Fresh Turmoil as Ex-Commissioners, Lawmakers Weigh Defection Ahead Of 2027 – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

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Samuel Ogidan

Fresh indications have emerged of growing unrest within the Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as influential stakeholders, including former commissioners, ex-political appointees, serving lawmakers and grassroots leaders, are reportedly considering a coordinated exit from the ruling party.

Sources familiar with the development said consultations have intensified in recent weeks amid concerns over alleged exclusion, political marginalisation and dissatisfaction with the management of internal party affairs.

The development has heightened anxiety within political circles in the state, with observers warning that any large-scale defection could reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Investigations revealed that the aggrieved group includes former commissioners who served under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, former appointees of ex-Governor, Senator, members of the State House of Assembly and several party leaders said to be unhappy with recent developments within the APC.

A member of the coalition from the Suleja Emirate, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the group had resolved to await the release of what it described as the APC’s authentic list of candidates before taking a final decision.

According to the source, the move is aimed at challenging what he described as the increasing concentration of political influence in the hands of a few individuals.

“This movement could have significant implications for the APC in Niger State. Many loyal party members who worked for the party’s success now feel alienated and sidelined,” the source said.

He added that consultations were ongoing with political actors, community leaders and grassroots structures across the 25 local government areas of the state.

“We are building a coalition that cuts across different political interests. Once our position is made public, people will better understand the depth of the concerns being raised,” he said.

Political analysts believe the emerging tension may be linked to the struggle for political influence ahead of the 2027 elections, as various interest groups seek to reposition themselves for the next electoral cycle.

The APC has remained the dominant political force in Niger State for more than a decade, producing governors, lawmakers and key office holders. However, recent developments suggest that internal disagreements and unresolved grievances may be testing the party’s cohesion.

Observers say the reported discontent among stakeholders could have broader implications if prominent political figures with established structures eventually align with opposition parties or emerging political movements.

“No political party can afford to ignore its grassroots leaders and longstanding loyalists,” a political analyst in Minna told our correspondent.

“If these stakeholders eventually leave the APC, it could significantly alter the political equation in Niger State and make the 2027 contest far more competitive,” the analyst added.

Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, a former senior aide to ex-Governor Bello, called on President Bola Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to intervene in order to address the situation.

“As it stands, if the President or the National Chairman do not intervene quickly, the party may face serious challenges in Niger State ahead of 2027. This is a party many of us worked hard to build, and there is growing concern about the current direction,” Idris said.

A former chairman of Lapai Local Government Area, who also requested anonymity, confirmed that some stakeholders in the area were considering leaving the APC, while expressing fears that lingering grievances could affect party unity ahead of the elections.

Although it remains unclear which political platform the aggrieved politicians may eventually adopt, sources said preliminary discussions have begun with leaders of other political parties and emerging political groups.

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.

With political activities gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the unfolding developments in Niger State are being closely watched as a potential indicator of the intense battle for control of the state’s political structure and the APC’s continued dominance in one of its traditional strongholds in the North-Central region.