Niger State’s political realignment is still gaining momentum, with more than 12,000 members of the Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) switching to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The APC state leadership welcomed the new members at the party secretariat in Minna, North Central Nigeria, following the defection, which was spearheaded by Bello Bwari, a former ACD candidate for governor.
Bwari, while addressing the media, clarified rumours surrounding his potential interest in becoming the Deputy Governor to Governor Umaru Bago amidst a feud with his deputy. He stated that if the opportunity arose, he would accept it with gratitude and faith.
Sani Kutigi, a former member of the House of Representatives and the PDP’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate, stated that the decision was made in appreciation of the state’s ongoing progress towards development, which is consistent with his vision.
Despite rumours that it is overcrowded, Adamu Gani, the party’s state secretary in Niger State, stated that the party will keep accepting new members.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has said that no one can break the positive relationship he has with his deputy.
Prior to the 2027 elections, this widespread defection is thought to have strengthened the APC’s position in Niger State. The action also draws attention to the state’s continuing political realignments, which political analysts say are far from over.
