Niger State’s former ADC chieftain and gubernatorial hopeful, Dr Mohammed Kpautagi, collected his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Saturday, signalling his intent to contest the governorship under the African Democratic Congress banner. The event drew a sizable crowd of supporters, including youths, women and party activists, who gathered at the ADC secretariat to show solidarity with the aspirant.
Speaking to journalists after receiving the documents, Kpautagi thanked his followers for their confidence and outlined the priorities he would pursue if elected. He identified insecurity and chronic water shortages as the most pressing challenges facing Niger State, warning that the continued incidence of kidnappings, killings and daily struggles for water demand “decisive leadership and immediate action.”
Kpautagi, accompanied by his wife and a delegation of political allies, pledged to restore what he described as the “lost glory” of the state through people‑oriented governance and prudent resource management. He assured voters that his administration would focus on policies that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens, especially in security‑strapped and water‑scarce communities.
The gathering was attended by a range of ADC dignitaries, including former legislators, ex‑deputy speakers and party chairmen, as well as other aspirants contesting various elective positions under the ADC platform.
Kpautagi previously vied for the governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 primary, where he ran against incumbent Governor Mohammed Umar Bago. His shift to the ADC marks a new chapter in his political career and adds a high‑profile contender to the party’s slate for the upcoming elections.
The event underscores the ADC’s ambition to expand its footprint in Niger State, a region where voters have expressed growing frustration with governance deficits. As the party finalises its candidate list, the competition for the governorship is expected to intensify, with security, water access and socio‑economic development likely to dominate campaign narratives.
Kpautagi’s next steps include formalising his candidacy with the Independent National Electoral Commission and rolling out a campaign that addresses the security and water crises he highlighted. Observers will watch how his platform resonates with an electorate eager for tangible solutions to long‑standing challenges.
