Niger State Governor Umar Bago has declared his region the strategic base for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign, vowing to spearhead mobilization efforts for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking to supporters, Bago framed his leadership role as an extension of his loyalty to the party and the president, branding Niger State as the “campaign hot quarters” for Tinubu’s bid. The announcement signals early groundwork for Nigeria’s next general elections, even as Tinubu approaches the midpoint of his first term.
Bago took aim at APC figures who had “benefited from the party’s government” but now oppose it, singling out former governors, ministers, and advisers for alleged “political betrayal.” He defended the informal power-sharing tradition between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions, noting it stabilized national politics. Citing the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s two-term tenure from 2014 to 2023, he argued Tinubu—a southern leader now in his second year—deserved similar bipartisan support to complete his agenda.
Responding to critiques of infrastructure delays, Bago asserted both Buhari and Tinubu inherited dilapidated roads, schools, and hospitals from prior administrations. He dismissed opposition attacks on economic and developmental challenges as “shameless,” attributing current struggles to historical mismanagement rather than APC policies. While acknowledging he was aware of “exactly” what his administration inherited in Niger State, Bago emphasized a forward-looking approach focused on “building, rebranding, and fixing” over probing predecessors.
On security, the governor argued Tinubu’s government should not be blamed for inherited crises, claiming improvements in Niger State had enabled residents in once-restive areas to resume daily activities without fear. He cautioned against politicizing upcoming rerun elections for the state assembly and local councils, urging APC unity. Appealing to critics, he reminded them of their shared role in forming the party: “We are Nigerians, and we love Nigeria. APC is what you are; some of you were party chairmen. We formed this APC together.”
The remarks underscore deepening political alignments ahead of 2027, with Bago positioning himself as a key Tinubu ally. His focus on regional power dynamics and calls for cohesion reflect broader tensions within the APC as Nigeria navigates economic reforms and security challenges.
