APC Returning Officer Declares Farmer Governor Bago Unopposed Candidate, Announces Winners for State Assembly Primaries
By Yahaya Zakka
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has been declared the unopposed gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections.
The declaration was made by the chairman of the APC electoral committee and returning officer, Alh. Danlami Abubakar, at the party’s state secretariat in Minna.
The motion to adopt the Governor as an unopposed candidate was moved by the senator representing Niger East, Sen. Mohammed Sani Musa, and seconded by the deputy speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mrs. Afiniki Dauda.
Governor Bago expressed gratitude to APC members in the state for endorsing him as the party’s unopposed candidate, describing it as a demonstration of love and the bond between him and the people.
He noted that it speaks volumes and assured him that he would not take it for granted.
Speaking to journalists about any aggrieved members, Governor Bago said machinery for reconciliation has been established, and he will lead efforts to reconcile all affected members to build a stronger party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Earlier, the returning officer announced the winners of the State House of Assembly primaries held on Wednesday.
Of the 27 state constituencies in Niger, consensus candidates emerged in 24, while direct elections were held in 3.
The winners of the consensus include Muhammad Ndatsu Agaie and Rilwan Jibril for Agwara; Usman Ahamd Baba for Borgu; Alfa Katun Bida I; Hussaini Muhammad Ndayako Bida II; Bala Mohammad for Chanchaga; and Ahamad Muhammad Robota.
Others are Yahaya Abubakar Ahmadu Gbako, Yusuf Wali for Gurara, Phalalu Mohammed Bako Kontagora I, Bashar Shehu Kontagora II, Abdulmalik Bala Yakubu for Katcha, Nuhu Adamu Lamfa for Lapai, Muhammad Umar for Lavun, Alhassan Isah for Mashegu, and Dauda Umar for Magama.
Additional winners include Abdulmalik Mohammed for Mariga, Matthew Dogara for Munya, Zakari Ndagi for Mokwa, Nasiru Umar for Paikoro, Zubairu Ismail for Rafi, Bello Bako for Rijau, Babangida Wassa for Shiroro, and Rilwanu Umar Babangida for Wushishi.
Finally, Abubakar Gomna, Zulkiful Shuaibu, and Murtala Adamu Badaru emerged from direct primaries in the Bosso, Tafa, and Suleja state constituencies.
