Farmer Governor Bago Assures APC Aspirants of Free and Fair Direct Primaries
Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, has assured all contestants under the All Progressives Congress (APC) of a free, fair, and transparent direct primary election if consensus cannot be reached.
The farmer governor made this assurance during a strategic meeting with key party stakeholders and all aspirants at the Hauwa Wali Multipurpose Hall, Government House, Minna.
He stated that discussions are ongoing with aspirants to build consensus, aiming to reduce conflicts and foster unity.
While affirming that the timetable for primary elections remains unchanged, the farmer governor announced that the primaries will be conducted at the headquarters of each ward across the state.
He warned aspirants not to bring thugs to disrupt the process, as doing so could lead to disqualification, and any non-member caught interfering will be dealt with decisively.
The farmer governor expressed appreciation for aspirants who voluntarily stepped down and embraced consensus, assuring that the government will collaborate with them and recognize their sacrifices.
He also thanked the party for successfully screening all aspirants without disqualifications and commended everyone who attended the meeting.
Additionally, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alh. Mohammed Idris, praised the farmer governor for his outstanding leadership in the party, which has motivated many to withdraw from their ambitions.
He described this as a positive moment for the party and its members, expressing confidence in conducting a rancor-free primary that could serve as a model for other states.
The Niger State Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, advised aspirants and party members to behave peacefully, assuring them of ample security across all 274 wards in the state.
CP Elleman invited all aspirants to visit the Police headquarters on Thursday (today) to sign a peace accord, which he emphasized is essential for a peaceful primary.
The APC Zonal Chairman for North-Central, Mu’azu Bawa Rijau, and the State Chairman of the party, Aminu Musa Bobi, along with other stakeholders, reiterated the importance of unity and peaceful primary elections.
Some aspirants who withdrew from their bids attributed their decision to the respectful and inclusive leadership of the farmer governor; they pledged to remain loyal to the party.
