Niger APC Primary Crisis Deepens as Party Cracks Emerge Ahead of 2027 Elections
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State has been thrown into fresh controversy after its 2027 primary elections exposed deep divisions, allegations of manipulation, failed logistics, and growing tension among party stakeholders.
What was expected to project unity and internal democracy instead turned into a fierce struggle over control, consensus arrangements, and political influence across several constituencies in the state.
Ahead of the primaries, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, reportedly held several meetings with party leaders, aspirants, and stakeholders in Minna in a bid to prevent open confrontation within the party.
During the meetings, the governor urged aspirants to embrace consensus arrangements where possible, insisting that party unity remained critical ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He also warned against violence, intimidation, and disruption during the exercise, stressing that the APC would not tolerate indiscipline during the primaries.
Niger East Primary Ends in Elite-Brokered Consensus
In the Niger East Senatorial District, tension reportedly grew between Senator Mohammed Sani Musa and Bello Bawa Bwari before party leaders intervened.
After negotiations led by senior APC stakeholders, Senator Sani Musa eventually emerged as the consensus candidate for the district.
Political observers, however, argued that the development highlighted the growing influence of elite negotiations in determining party candidates.
Failed Logistics Rock Niger South APC Primary
The biggest controversy erupted in the Niger South Senatorial District where many party members alleged that election materials never arrived at several wards.
Reports from Bida, Katcha, and nearby communities claimed that delegates waited for hours without seeing electoral officials or voting materials.
Many frustrated party members described the process as disorganized and embarrassing, raising serious questions over the credibility of the exercise.
APC Aspirants Reject Results, Threaten Legal Action
Several aspirants openly rejected the outcome of the primaries across different constituencies.
In Paikoro, APC aspirant Adamu Makun Sheikh threatened court action over alleged irregularities and incomplete voting processes.
Meanwhile, in Chanchaga Federal Constituency, aspirant Shaibu Usman Abubakar Mairago accused party leaders of manipulating the exercise to favour a preferred candidate.
He claimed some supporters were denied access to voting centres while others faced intimidation during the process.
Zoning Controversy Sparks More Internal Crisis
Fresh disagreement also emerged in Lapai/Agaie Federal Constituency as youth groups rejected what they described as political domination by Agaie.
The groups insisted that power rotation must return the seat to Lapai in the interest of fairness and equity.
In Magama/Rijau Federal Constituency, aspirant Shehu Samaila Auna also rejected the emergence of Professor Yakubu Auna as consensus candidate, insisting that all aspirants never agreed to the arrangement.
APC Chieftain Resigns After Primary Election Drama
The internal crisis worsened after prominent APC founding member, Alhaji Abubakar Katcha, resigned from the party.
In his resignation letter, he reportedly accused the party of abandoning internal democracy during the primaries.
Another APC chieftain, Jonathan Vatsa, also criticised the conduct of the exercise, warning that perceived imposition of candidates could damage party unity ahead of 2027.
Political Observers Warn of Bigger Crisis Ahead
Political analysts believe the Niger APC primaries have exposed deeper struggles over power, representation, and internal democracy within the ruling party.
While party leaders continue to defend consensus arrangements as necessary for stability, critics argue that the process is increasingly being used to impose preferred candidates and sideline competitors.
With unresolved grievances still lingering across several constituencies, observers warn that the crisis could affect the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.