Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has delivered a firm warning to leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, emphasizing zero tolerance for any actions that could foster division or disunity as the party prepares for its upcoming congresses at various levels.
The governor made the declaration during a high-level stakeholders' meeting convened at the Government House in Minna, the state capital. The session brought together key party figures, including commissioners, elders, and other stakeholders, to strategize on ensuring peaceful and disciplined congress processes following the expiration of the tenure of the current state APC executives.
Bago announced that state commissioners would be appointed to head the Congress Coordination Committees in all 25 local government areas of the state. This move aims to place executive authority figures directly in charge of grassroots-level coordination, leveraging their influence and administrative experience to oversee the exercise effectively.
According to the governor, each commissioner will bear full responsibility for compiling comprehensive and accurate lists of party members within their assigned local government areas. They are expected to collaborate closely with party elders, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other critical stakeholders to guarantee inclusivity and transparency throughout the process.
"Discipline must guide the entire congress process across the state," Bago stressed. He directed the committees to adhere strictly to agreements already reached by leaders at the local government level, a measure designed to preempt conflicts and promote harmony. The governor cautioned against any form of compromise, favoritism, or deviation from party rules, warning that violators would face severe sanctions.
"The APC is a disciplined party and will not condone anti-party activities and gross misconduct from any party member," he declared. Bago reiterated that the party would take decisive action against anyone found guilty of wrongdoing, underscoring the need for integrity to safeguard the unity and strength of the APC in Niger State.
Adding to the governor's position, the APC Vice Chairman for the North Central zone, Mu’azu Bawa Rijau, informed the gathering that the party had officially adopted the consensus method for conducting all congresses. This decision, he explained, stemmed from resolutions reached at the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
The consensus approach will apply uniformly across ward, local government, state, zonal, and national levels, aiming to minimize rancor, reduce litigation risks, and foster collective ownership of outcomes. Bawa urged all party members in Niger State to embrace this strategy fully and work collaboratively for the success of the congresses.
He further used the platform to reaffirm the party's strong support for Governor Bago's administration, highlighting visible achievements recorded in various sectors under his leadership since assuming office. These include advancements in agriculture—earning him the moniker "Farmer Governor"—infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and security enhancements, which have contributed to improved governance and public welfare in the state.
The stakeholders' meeting reflects broader preparations within the APC nationwide as the party gears up for its congress cycle leading to the national convention. Recent announcements from the APC national leadership have outlined an adjusted timetable for ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses, with the national convention scheduled for March 27-28, 2026. A 73-member Central Coordination Committee, chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and including Niger State's Governor Bago as a member, has been constituted to oversee these activities.
In Niger State, the emphasis on consensus and disciplined coordination aligns with the national directive, positioning the state to conduct rancor-free exercises that strengthen the party's internal democracy and grassroots structures. The governor's directive for commissioners to lead the process is seen as a strategic effort to ensure accountability, given their direct oversight roles in government and proximity to local dynamics.
Party officials have stressed that the congresses are crucial for renewing leadership at all tiers, aligning the APC's structure with its vision for continued dominance in Nigerian politics, particularly in the North Central region. With Niger State serving as a key APC stronghold, successful congresses could further consolidate support ahead of future electoral cycles.
Observers note that Governor Bago's proactive stance—combining warnings against misconduct with practical steps like commissioner-led committees—demonstrates a commitment to orderly transitions. This approach is intended to prevent the kind of factionalism and disputes that have occasionally marred party processes in other states.
As preparations intensify, party members across the 25 local government areas are expected to engage constructively, compiling member lists and building consensus lists in line with the adopted method. The outcome of these congresses will be pivotal in shaping the APC's leadership landscape in Niger State and reinforcing its role in national politics.
Governor Bago's message was clear: unity, discipline, and adherence to agreed processes are non-negotiable for the APC's continued progress and success in the state.
