Political Landscape Shifts Significantly as Former Governorship Candidate Joins ADC in Niger State.
By Yahaya Zakka Minna.
The former Labour Party governorship candidate in Niger State, Mr. Joshua Bawa Salka, Kauran Kontagora, along with members of the Obedient Movement, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The announcement was made during a gathering in Minna, where the National Women Leader of the ADC, Mrs. Naomi Nasaral Obed, represented the National Secretary, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, described the move as part of a growing “storm of political freedom” spreading across Nigeria.
Mrs. Naomi urged residents of Niger State to challenge what she called “systemic deception” under the guise of democracy, encouraging citizens to oppose outdated political structures that hinder the state’s progress despite its resource wealth.
She lamented that, despite its wealth, Niger State remains underdeveloped, stressing the importance of voters rejecting what she called “patriarchal politics” by supporting the ADC to address the state’s issues.
Mrs. Naomi criticized political opportunism, questioning the fate of constituents when elected officials change parties, asking, “If governors return to the APC after elections, what happens to the poor voters?”
Addressing the need to protect electoral choices, the leader of the Progressive Awareness Group (CPSF), Engr. Daniel Galadima Gambo Bassa, noted that similar campaigns contributed to the APC’s victory over the PDP in previous elections. He emphasized the necessity for Nigerians to actively pursue just and accountable governance.
He further pointed out that Nigeria faces a critical moment where ordinary citizens must resist elite exploitation amid ongoing issues of insecurity, corruption, and violence, where those in power prioritize self-interest over public welfare.
Additionally, Hon. Ibrahim Nuhu Auna, a former House of Representatives aspirant from the North-Central zone, joined the ADC coalition to advocate for good governance.
He condemned worsening insecurity in areas like Magama and Rijau, where residents have been displaced by banditry.
Hon. Auna accused the state government of neglecting the protection of lives and property, stating that many rural communities have suffered from insecurity.
“I believe a wave of political change is imminent, similar to the one that brought Muhammadu Buhari to power,” he remarked, noting widespread disillusionment with the APC.
The Niger State Chairman of the ADC, Alhaji Musa Hassan, announced the registration of over 2,023 new members, including supporters of Peter Obi. He expressed confidence in the electorate’s readiness for political change.
After issuing membership cards to Mr. Joshua Bawa Salka and others, Hassan emphasized that the ADC provides qualified members with fair opportunities to contest positions through internal, transparent elections in line with the party’s constitution.
He indicated that the party’s immediate focus is on grassroots mobilization and internal development, rather than early political contests.
In his remarks, Hon. Joshua Bawa Salka called on the state government to review its priorities, criticizing ongoing urban demolitions while essential infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and water supplies remain neglected.
He described potable water in Minna as a luxury, lamenting residents’ daily struggles due to inadequate water facilities.
He warned that environmental degradation from poor urban planning could pose health risks to residents. He advised Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to speed up the completion of abandoned roads in the state capital and across the local government areas before the rainy season.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Garba Damisa, Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), clarified that he had not defected but attended the event to show solidarity.
He noted that IPAC was established to promote unity and accountability among political parties.
He praised the ADC for following legal frameworks and avoiding political controversy.
The defection ceremony took place at the Vogosh Hotel Minna, opposite the Niger State Government House.
