As the 2027 governorship election in Niger State approaches, various youth and political groups are advocating for a shift in the state’s leadership paradigm. They are calling for a mature, credible, and widely respected leader to take the reins, emphasizing the need for competence and experience over wealth and influence.
The Kolo Magba Association, a youth group based in Wushishi Local Government Area, has suggested that successful retired civil servants should be the preferred candidates for governorship positions. In a statement, the group’s leader, Abdullahi Maina, expressed concerns about the current “money-bag politics” and proposed that only individuals with a proven track record of public service should be considered for the top job. The group has appealed to the federal government to introduce a policy that would enable retired civil servants to contest for governorship positions, arguing that this would restore decency and credibility to the democratic process.
Similarly, the Arewa G19 Forum has warned against the dominance of wealthy politicians in governance, stressing that the state needs leaders with tested administrative experience. Comrade Liman Suleman, the forum’s National Public Relations Officer, noted that many wealthy individuals lack a deep understanding of public service, having not served in government. He emphasized that leaders should be chosen based on their proven ability and discipline, rather than their wealth.
These calls for change come as political activities begin to gather momentum in Niger State. The groups’ proposals have highlighted the need for a more nuanced approach to leadership selection, one that prioritizes integrity, administrative capacity, and experience over financial influence. As the 2027 election draws near, it remains to be seen how these suggestions will be received by political parties and the federal government. Nonetheless, the emphasis on competence and credibility is likely to resonate with voters seeking effective governance and meaningful change in Niger State.
