ANALYSIS: :On the Imposition of Candidates as Consensus and the Consequences on the Ruling APC in the 2027 General Elections in Niger State.
BY YAKUBU MUSTAPHA BINA
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration in Nigeria is almost rounding off its party primary elections, conducted either through consensus or direct primaries. However, the party has shown a preference for direct primaries, and Niger State is no exception.
Tension began to rise immediately after the release of the timetable for the primaries, considering the number of contestants, their political weight, and the influence of governors in approving aspirants to purchase nomination forms. Political endorsements by party leaders further intensified the scheming and competition among aspirants, each seeking recognition as the government’s preferred candidate.
Earlier, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cautioned members of the APC against engaging in infighting and “do-or-die” politics as the party commenced its nationwide primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement personally signed by the President, he urged aspirants, party leaders, and delegates to conduct themselves peacefully while upholding the principles of internal democracy, fairness, and sportsmanship.
Furthermore, the national leadership of the APC officially notified INEC and party members of its decision to conduct direct primaries across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The timetable includes presidential, governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly primaries, each scheduled accordingly.
The party leadership also stated clearly that there would be no consensus candidacy, assuring aspirants of a level playing field. However, how realistic this assurance is remains questionable.
Ideally, the emergence of candidates, whether through consensus or direct primaries, should not be influenced by intimidation, harassment, or imposition. A fair and transparent process must be ensured to promote justice and equity.
In Niger State, findings have revealed that certain political interests are being favored at the expense of others. Despite resistance, some individuals appear untouchable due to their political influence. Notably, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (313) demonstrated resilience and popularity by emerging as the APC flag bearer for Niger East Senatorial District (Zone B), even though he was not apparently the government’s preferred candidate. His victory reflects grassroots support and echoes past political precedents where merit prevailed over imposed preferences.
Similarly, in Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency, the most widely accepted aspirant, Baba Abubakar Chegungi, was reportedly arrested prior to the primaries for refusing to step down. He insisted on contesting against the incumbent, Saidu Musa Abdul (SMA), who was perceived as the government’s preferred candidate. This development further undermined the credibility of the consensus arrangement.
Respect, as they say, is earned, not imposed. “He who comes to equity must come with clean hands” says a popular saying.
Much has happened beneath the surface, but the question remains: must these irregularities continue unchecked? As the saying goes, “You can fool some people sometimes, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” It is time for citizens to speak out and demand accountability.
True leadership requires fairness, inclusivity, and the ability to work with all stakeholders. Historical examples show that good leaders prioritize justice over personal or political interests.
The ongoing APC primaries in Niger State have been marred by widespread rejection and condemnation due to perceived lack of transparency. The imposition of candidates through questionable consensus undermines democracy, disenfranchises party members, and weakens party structures. It often leads to internal divisions, voter apathy, and even anti-party activities.
Membership in a political party should not dictate voting choices. Citizens must evaluate candidates based on credibility and competence, and vote accordingly.
Consensus arrangements must comply with party and electoral laws. Article 20 of the APC Constitution mandates democratic processes, while Section 84(9) of the Electoral Act requires written consent from all aspirants before adopting consensus. In many cases, these conditions appear not to have been met, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
Direct primaries, on the other hand, allow all registered party members to participate in candidate selection. This system strengthens internal democracy, enhances legitimacy, and produces candidates with genuine grassroots support. While not perfect, it remains one of the most credible methods of candidate selection.
Leaders must avoid acting as though they are above others simply because of temporary positions of power. Leadership is transient and should be exercised with humility and responsibility.
History offers important lessons. Political dominance does not guarantee electoral victory, as seen in past elections where seemingly strong political structures were overturned by popular will.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has demonstrated strong leadership in certain areas, particularly in making decisive decisions aimed at promoting development and stability. However, concerns remain regarding fairness in political representation and adherence to zoning principles.
While the governor has advocated for equitable power sharing, some recent actions appear inconsistent with that principle, raising questions about fairness and inclusivity in the political process.
The Niger state Chairman of the House of Representatives Primary Election Committee and Returning Officer, Danlami Abubakar, has announced the winners of the APC primary elections
for House of Representatives and Senate seats ahead of the 2027 general electiions
He announced that Abdullahi Mahmud emerged winner for Agaie/Lapai Federal Constituency, while Adamu Usman,for Edati/Lavun/Mokwa, Prof. Yakubu M. Auna Magama/Rijau, Abdullahi Idris Garba,Kontagora/Mariga/Wushishi/
Mashegu, Sa’idu Musa Abdullahi SMA,
Bida/Gbako/Katcha, and Jafaru Mohammed Agwara/Borgu Federal Constituencies emerged through consensus respectively.
Others are Ismaila Musa Modibbo for Shiroro/Munya/Rafi, Ada MMmu Abubakar for Chanchaga and Adamu Tanko for Suleja/Tafa/Gurara Federal Constituency, while the Bosso/Paikoro Engr Ibrahim Dada.
For the Senate, Mohammed Sani Idris emerged winner for Niger South Senatorial District after polling the highest votes, while Senator Abubakar Sadiq Sani Bello emerged unopposed for Niger North and Senator Mohammed Sani Musa emerged by consensus for Niger East.
Speaking after the declaration of results, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, commended the aspirants for embracing consensus, describing it as a strategy that had eased political processes in the state.
Less we forget that in 2019 when the current Chief of Staff to the president Femi Gbajabiamila was selected by the APC leadership in the country to be the house of representative speaker the sitting governor of Niger state Mohammed Umaru Bago insisted to contest against him despite not having the support of his state party and then government, however, he went ahead to contest although failed to emerge indicating lack of loyalty to the then party leadership in the country. History can not be changed.
It could be recalled that in 2015 President Goodluck Jonathan has 30 PDP Governors, several senators and multiple house of representative members in the national assembly but they were catch up with APC sunamy where they fall like iroko trees to pave ways for the current ruling party under the leadership of late President Muhamadu Buhari’s victory, a famous Nigerian democrat and former president Jonathan accepted the defeat to ensure peace and stability we are still enjoying in the country.
At the national level, the APC has screened thousands of aspirants across various positions, reflecting the scale and importance of the ongoing primaries. However, transparency and fairness must remain central to the process.
Consensus, when properly implemented, can be beneficial, but it must be transparent, inclusive, and based on merit—not favoritism. Otherwise, it risks creating resentment and division within the party.
Ultimately, leadership must be guided by humility, justice, and inclusivity. Imposition of candidates and authoritarian tendencies have no place in a democratic system. Failure to address these issues may lead to protest votes and electoral setbacks for the ruling party.
Finally, every eligible Nigerian has the constitutional right to vote freely. Party affiliation should not override individual judgment. Citizens are encouraged to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and vote for competent and credible candidates in the forthcoming elections.
YAKUBU MUSTAPHA BINA is a Journalist and Public Affairs Analysis in Minna, Niger state
