Niger State Governor Umar Bago has declared that the state will serve as the headquarters for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign, pledging to lead mobilisation efforts for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming polls.
Speaking to supporters, Bago described his role as an extension of his unwavering loyalty to the APC and President Tinubu, branding Niger State the “campaign hot quarters” for the president’s second-term drive.
The governor took a swipe at party members who, despite benefiting from APC-led governments, have turned against it. He accused some former governors, ministers, advisers, and commissioners of betraying the party after years of service under its banner.
Reaffirming the “unwritten understanding” of power rotation between the north and south, Bago argued that the arrangement had helped maintain national stability. He said Tinubu, now in his second year, deserved the same support the north enjoyed during its eight years under the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
On infrastructure, Bago dismissed opposition criticisms, insisting both Buhari and Tinubu inherited dilapidated roads, schools, and hospitals that were being fixed. He said his own administration was committed to “building, rebranding, and fixing” Niger State, not creating problems.
He described attempts to exploit infrastructure and economic challenges for political gain as “shameless,” linking current economic woes to decisions of previous administrations. While stating he knew “exactly” what he inherited, Bago stressed he had chosen not to probe past leaders.
On security, the governor maintained that Tinubu’s administration was not responsible for the challenges it met on the ground. He claimed security in Niger State had improved significantly, with residents in previously unsafe areas now able to do business freely.
Bago also cautioned against politicising the upcoming state assembly rerun and local government elections, urging unity within the APC.
“We are Nigerians, and we love Nigeria. APC is what you are; some of you were party chairmen. We formed this APC together,” he said.
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