A fresh internal crisis is reportedly brewing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, as some party stakeholders are said to be considering a mass defection over allegations of candidate imposition and concerns about the concentration of political influence within the party.
According to reports, dissatisfied party members have intensified consultations in recent weeks, with several former commissioners, ex-political appointees, serving lawmakers and grassroots leaders allegedly weighing their future in the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The aggrieved group is said to include former members of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s administration, political associates of former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, members of the Niger State House of Assembly and other influential party figures across the state’s local government areas.
The stakeholders reportedly accuse Governor Bago of influencing the selection of candidates for elective positions, a development they believe undermines internal democracy within the party.
A member of the group, who spoke anonymously, claimed that the coalition is waiting for the official release of the APC’s candidate list before deciding its next political move. He added that consultations are ongoing with community leaders and party stakeholders across the state.
Another party member from Lapai Local Government Area also expressed concerns over growing dissatisfaction within the APC, warning that some members may either leave the party or engage in anti-party activities if the issues remain unresolved.
Meanwhile, a former senior aide to ex-Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, Ibrahim Idris, called on President Bola Tinubu and APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to intervene and address the crisis before it worsens.
He warned that failure to resolve the internal disagreements could weaken the party’s position in Niger State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political analysts believe the growing tension is linked to preparations for the next general election, with various interest groups positioning themselves for influence within the state’s political landscape.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Niger State Government were unsuccessful, as the governor’s spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment on the allegations.
