Niger APC primaries: Expect direct elections if consensus fails - Bago declares

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has declared that the state's All Progressives Congress (APC) will immediately hold direct primary elections if stakeholders fail to reach a consensus on candidates for the upcoming elections.

Speaking at an expanded APC stakeholders' meeting at the Government House in Minna, the governor outlined a two-week timeline for party leaders across all local government areas to produce consensus candidates for Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly positions.

While emphasizing that a consensus arrangement would simplify the party's electoral process, Bago made it clear that direct primaries remain the definitive backup plan should negotiations break down.

To ensure a credible process, the governor issued a stern warning against financial inducements, stating unequivocally that any aspirant caught giving money to party officials will be cited for bribery.

He further directed the state APC executives to maintain absolute neutrality during the candidate selection process.

Addressing power distribution, Bago advised critical stakeholders to respect existing zoning systems across the state and strongly recommended establishing zoning arrangements in areas where they are currently absent.

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He assured all aspirants of fair treatment, noting that the party's strength lies in its unity.

The meeting drew prominent political figures who threw their weight behind the push for fairness.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, described the consultative gathering as unprecedented, urging all aspirants to accept the eventual outcome and work collectively for the party's victory.

Addressing rumors of predetermined outcomes, the APC Vice Chairman for the North Central zone, Mu'azu Bawa Rijau, firmly debunked viral reports claiming he had guaranteed automatic tickets to certain aspirants, clarifying that he possesses no such powers.

Niger State APC Chairman Aminu Musa Bobi noted that the core objective of the expanded meeting was to aggregate input from all stakeholders on the preferred mode for the primary elections, pledging his commitment to the party's progressive growth.

Other prominent voices at the event, including Deputy Governor Yakub Garba, along with former deputy governors Musa Ibeto and Muhammad Ahmed Ketso, appealed for post-primary unity, cautioning aspirants to control their supporters, particularly in relation to the inflammatory use of social media.