APC Niger Primaries Consensus efforts by Governor Bago prevent internal crisis, producing agreements and affirmations ahead of party primaries
The Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Nigeria, on Monday, 18 May 2026, has praised Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for what it described as decisive intervention that prevented internal conflict ahead of the party’s primaries through widespread reconciliation efforts across the state.
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The commendation was contained in a statement attributed to the APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Musa Sarkinkaji, who said the governor’s engagement with aggrieved aspirants helped stabilise the party and promote consensus-building under the APC Niger Primaries Consensus arrangement.
According to Musa Sarkinkaji, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and party leaders spent several nights engaging stakeholders and aspirants in marathon reconciliation meetings aimed at preventing divisions that could have threatened the unity of the ruling party.
He explained that the intervention played a crucial role in resolving tensions across key senatorial districts, leading to consensus arrangements in several areas where aspirants agreed to step down in the interest of party stability.
“In Niger North, aspirants agreed to step aside for Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, while reconciliation efforts in Zone B also allowed Senator Sani Musa to continue through affirmation,” Sarkinkaji said.
He added that the developments in Niger North Senatorial District and Niger East Senatorial District resulted in affirmation processes, reducing the likelihood of competitive and potentially divisive primaries in those zones.
The APC spokesman noted that more than 100 aspirants had initially indicated interest in House of Assembly tickets across the state, a situation that could have created significant internal friction without early intervention from the party leadership.
However, he disclosed that consensus was not achieved in Niger South Senatorial District due to the large number of aspirants who refused to withdraw despite several rounds of consultation.
As a result, Governor Bago reportedly directed that the Niger South Senatorial District proceed to open primaries, allowing delegates to freely determine the party’s candidate through transparent voting processes.
“Although consensus could not be reached in Niger South because of the large number of aspirants, the governor directed that delegates should freely decide the candidate through transparent voting,” Sarkinkaji stated.
He further assured party members that measures had been put in place to ensure free, fair and credible primaries across the affected areas, with election officials selected locally to strengthen trust in the process.
Musa Sarkinkaji also cautioned against misinformation and rumours capable of creating tension during the primaries, particularly in relation to legislative contests, urging members to remain calm and united.
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He maintained that the APC in Niger State remains committed to internal democracy, stability and unity as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
