Groups advocate for mature, respected retired civil servants ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Niger
FROM SAMSON ALFA, MINNA
A group of youth in Niger State has expressed concern over the quality of leaders who will effectively oversee affairs in Niger State as the 2027 governorship election approaches.
They also suggested that the government adopt a policy stating that only successful, retired civil servants are allowed to contest for governorship positions, while wealthy politicians should be permitted to vie for both the state and national assembly seats to ensure strong leadership across the country.
In a statement signed by the youth group, “Kolo Magba Association” in Wushishi Local Government Area, signed by Abdullahi Maina and sent to our correspondent, titled “Youth Against Charlatan Leadership Across the Country,” they expressed their support for Dr. MK Kpautagi as governor of Niger State in 2027. They described him as a humble, retired civil servant demonstrating maturity in human relations.
The statement added that Dr. Mohamed Kpautagi has faced life’s challenges and embodies decency, discipline, tolerance, and incorruptibility, qualities that he would surely exhibit if elected as governor.
According to the youth, Kpautagi’s life journey has equipped him with the qualities needed to govern the state. His experience from humble beginnings makes him in touch with societal pains, making him a credible and reliable candidate.
“We want the government to amend the constitution to allow only senior retired civil servants to aspire to governorship positions. This will promote decency and restore acceptable democracy, instead of allowing money bags to take over governance,” they urged.
In a letter signed by the National PRO of the Arewa G19 Forum, Comrade Liman Suleman, they stated, “the so-called money bags have never held office to understand what citizens are passing through to effectively benefit from democracy.”
The youth highlighted that Dr. Kpautagi is a seasoned administrator at both the state and federal levels, holding a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Ibadan, a PhD in Remote Sensing from FUT Minna, and having retired as a Director of Urban Development at the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.
He served in various capacities, including appointments on national strategic committees and professional bodies: a member of the Presidential Monitoring Committee on NDDC projects, and a member of the National Institute of Project Managers.
“Those are the caliber of people who have the capacity and ability to perform effectively as governors. It is worth recalling that here in Niger State, late Governor Abdulkadir Kure and the former governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu served the state effectively and with high maturity,” Suleiman emphasized.
