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…. Critical Stakeholders Seek Tinubu, National Chairman’s Interventions

New details have emerged over a looming political development within the Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as influential stakeholders, including former commissioners, ex-political appointees, serving lawmakers and grassroots leaders, are reportedly perfecting plans for a mass defection from the ruling party.

Sources familiar with the development disclosed that consultations have intensified in recent weeks amid growing dissatisfaction over alleged exclusion, political marginalisation and the conduct of internal party affairs.

The development is already generating anxiety within political circles in the state, with observers warning that any large-scale defection could trigger one of the biggest political realignments in Niger State since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

Investigations revealed that the aggrieved camp comprises former commissioners who served under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, former appointees of ex-Governor and Senator representing Niger North, Abubakar Sani Bello, members of the State House of Assembly and several party leaders who are said to be unhappy with recent political developments within the APC.

A key member of the coalition from the Suleja Emirate, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, disclosed that the group had resolved to await the release of the APC’s authentic list of candidates before making its next political move.

According to the source, the planned action is intended to challenge what he described as the growing concentration of political power in the hands of a few individuals.

“This movement will shake the foundation of the APC in Niger State. Politics belongs to the people and not to one individual.

Many loyal party members who laboured for the party’s success now feel alienated and ignored,” the source stated.

He further disclosed that consultations were ongoing with influential political actors, community leaders and grassroots structures across the 25 local government areas of the state.

“We are building a formidable coalition that cuts across all political interests. Once our position is made public, many people will understand that the current situation within the party is unsustainable,” he added.

Political analysts believe the emerging crisis may not be unconnected with the battle for political supremacy ahead of the 2027 general elections, as various interest groups seek to reposition themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The APC has maintained a dominant political presence in Niger State for over a decade, producing governors, lawmakers and key political office holders. However, recent developments suggest that internal disagreements and unresolved grievances may be gradually eroding the party’s unity.

Observers note that the alleged discontent among party stakeholders could have far-reaching implications, particularly if prominent political figures with established structures decide to align with opposition parties or form a new political bloc.

“There is no political party that can afford to ignore its grassroots leaders and longstanding loyalists,” a political analyst in Minna, revealed.

“If these aggrieved stakeholders eventually leave the APC, it could significantly alter the political equation in Niger State and make the 2027 elections more competitive than previously anticipated”, the Analyst added.

On his part, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, former senior Aide to ex Governor Bello, called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to urgently intervene, to save the soul of the party in Niger.

“As it stands now, if the President or the National Chairman do not quickly intervene, I doubt if there would be anything left in Niger APC after 2027. This was the same party we laboured to build, it is unfortunately disintegrating under our watch, just for the selfishness of a microscopic few”, Idris added.

Former Chairman of Lapai Local Government Area who pleaded anonymity, confirmed to our Correspondent that stakeholders in the area have concluded arrangements to kiss the APC goodbye, why entertaining the fear that those who would be left in APC would certainly engage in anti party activities during the 2027 elections.

Although it remains unclear which political platform the aggrieved politicians may eventually adopt, sources hinted that preliminary discussions have already commenced with leaders of other political parties and emerging political movements.

Efforts to obtain official reactions from the Niger State APC leadership were unsuccessful as calls and messages sent to some key officials were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the unfolding developments in Niger State may signal the beginning of an intense struggle for control of the state’s political structure, with potential consequences for the APC’s continued dominance in one of its traditional strongholds in the North-Central region.

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The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has revealed the real reason behind its decision to endorse President Bola Tinubu for the the 2027 general elections.

National Chairman, Sylvester Ezeokenwa, attributed the decision to party policy and conviction while appearing on Channels tv program on Friday.

Ezeokenwa said, “Well, I think there are a lot of thinking that went into that policy. Like I always say, it is a policy, or it is a decision that was fuelled by both policy and conviction.

“Policy in the sense that this is what was started some years ago, precisely in 2010-2011, when the party deemed it fit at that point to adopt the presidential candidacy of the then president Goodluck Jonathan.

“The party has not steered away from that particular policy. That policy is still intact.

“Then, the next one is conviction, in the sense that the the party believes that the president is steering the country in the right direction.

“Given the needed reforms that the president has orchestrated, which probably aligns with the progressive agenda of APGA, is in the best interest of the party for the party to adopt the candidacy of President Bola Tinubu.”

Recall that APGA on Wednesday endorsed President Tinubu as its preferred candidate for the 2027 general elections.

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In a rare political development that has sent shockwaves through Sokoto State, the Chairman of Tangaza Local Government Area, Isa Kalanjeni, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and simultaneously stepped down from his elected position as council chairman.

The twin resignations were contained in two separate letters made available to journalists in Sokoto on Tuesday.

In a letter dated May 5, 2026, addressed to the APC Ward Chairman of Kalanjeni Ward in Tangaza Local Government, Kalanjeni announced his immediate departure from the ruling party.

I wish to formally inform you of my decision to resign from the APC with immediate effect. This decision is borne out of purely personal reasons. I appreciate the opportunity given to me to be part of the party.”

Resignation from Office

In a separate letter dated July 7, 2026, addressed to the Secretary to the Sokoto State Government and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kalanjeni formally resigned as Executive Chairman of Tangaza Local Government Area with immediate effect.

Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as Executive Chairman of Tangaza Local Government Area, effective immediately from today.”

Reasons Cited

The embattled chairman explained that the “difficult decision” followed extensive consultations with family, political associates, and community stakeholders.

He also cited administrative constraints, stating:

“Due to recent unavoidable administrative challenges, I find that I am no longer able to execute the responsibilities of this office to the high standard expected of me.”

Despite the abrupt exit, Kalanjeni expressed appreciation to the people of the council:

“I am incredibly grateful to the electorate, the council’s legislative arm, and the entire staff for the privilege and opportunity to serve our people. I wish the incoming leadership and administration continued success.”