As the ruling All Progressives Congress winds down its nationwide primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, politic...
As the ruling All Progressives Congress winds down its nationwide primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, political activities across the country have intensified, particularly in Niger State, where the process has generated debates over consensus arrangements, direct primaries, and internal democracy.
Although the party initially indicated a preference for direct primaries across the federation, developments in several states, including Niger, have revealed a growing reliance on consensus arrangements in the emergence of candidates for various elective positions.
Political tension heightened immediately after the release of the APC primary election timetable, largely due to the calibre of aspirants involved, their political influence, and the perceived role of governors and party leaders in determining who eventually secures party tickets. Endorsements by influential stakeholders further deepened political calculations, with aspirants struggling to be identified as preferred candidates of the establishment.
Earlier, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had cautioned party members against engaging in infighting and “do-or-die” politics, urging aspirants and stakeholders to uphold fairness, sportsmanship, and internal democracy throughout the primary process.
Similarly, the national leadership of the APC formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and party members of its decision to conduct direct primaries for presidential, governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives, and State Assembly elections across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The party leadership also assured aspirants of a level playing field, stressing that the process would be transparent and democratic. However, questions have continued to trail the implementation of these assurances in some states.
Ideally, the emergence of candidates—whether through consensus or direct primaries—should not be shaped by intimidation, imposition, or undue influence. Political analysts maintain that fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness remain essential ingredients for credible internal party democracy.
In Niger State, concerns have emerged over alleged preferential treatment for certain aspirants. Despite political pressure in some quarters, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa popularly known as “313,” reportedly demonstrated strong grassroots support by emerging as the APC flag bearer for Niger East Senatorial District, even amid perceptions that he was not the preferred choice of some influential interests.
Observers note that his emergence reflects the resilience of grassroots politics and mirrors previous political experiences where popular support outweighed establishment preferences.
Similarly, developments in the Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency generated controversy following reports surrounding the candidacy of Baba Abubakar Chengudugi, who allegedly resisted pressure to step down for the incumbent lawmaker, Saidu Musa Abdullahi (SMA), perceived by many as the establishment-backed aspirant.
Political stakeholders have argued that respect and legitimacy in leadership must be earned through transparent engagement and fairness rather than through imposition or coercion.
The unfolding events have further revived conversations around the legality and credibility of consensus arrangements within political parties. Under Article 20 of the APC Constitution and Section 84(9) of the Electoral Act, consensus candidacy requires the written consent of all aspirants involved before adoption.
Critics argue that failure to strictly comply with these provisions risks undermining party cohesion and internal democracy, potentially leading to grievances, voter apathy, and anti-party activities.
Direct primaries, though not without challenges, are widely regarded as one of the most democratic methods of candidate selection because they allow all registered party members to participate directly in the process. Supporters of the system believe it enhances legitimacy and strengthens grassroots ownership of the party structure.
Political observers have also cautioned leaders against allowing temporary positions of authority to influence decisions unfairly, noting that leadership requires humility, inclusiveness, and justice.
Despite the controversies, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has continued to receive commendation in some quarters for his developmental initiatives and decisive leadership style. However, concerns persist regarding political inclusivity, fairness in representation, and adherence to zoning principles in the ongoing political process.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Primary Election Committee and Returning Officer, Danlami Abubakar, officially announced the winners of the APC primaries for the House of Representatives and Senate seats in Niger State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the results announced, Abdullahi Mahmud emerged winner for Agaie/Lapai Federal Constituency; Adamu Usman for Edati/Lavun/Mokwa; Prof. Yakubu M. Auna for Magama/Rijau; Abdullahi Idris Garba for Kontagora/Mariga/Wushishi/Mashegu; Sa’idu Musa Abdullahi (SMA) for Bida/Gbako/Katcha; and Jafaru Mohammed for Agwara/Borgu through consensus arrangements.
Others include Ismaila Musa Modibbo for Shiroro/Munya/Rafi; Ada Mamu Abubakar for Chanchaga; Adamu Tanko for Suleja/Tafa/Gurara; and Engr. Ibrahim Dada for Bosso/Paikoro Federal Constituency.
For the Senate, Mohammed Sani Idris emerged winner for Niger South Senatorial District after polling the highest votes, while Senator Abubakar Sadiq Sani Bello emerged unopposed for Niger North, and Senator Mohammed Sani Musa secured the Niger East ticket through consensus.
Speaking after the declaration of results, Governor Bago commended aspirants for embracing consensus, describing it as a strategy that eased political tensions and simplified the process in the state.
Political commentators, however, continue to draw historical parallels with past political events, noting that democracy often thrives when leaders allow open competition and respect differing opinions within party structures.
The broader lesson from Nigeria’s political history remains that electoral success cannot be sustained solely through political dominance or imposition. Analysts point to the 2015 general elections, where the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite controlling many states and federal structures, lost power to the APC under the leadership of late President Muhammadu Buhari.
At the national level, the APC has screened thousands of aspirants across different elective offices, underscoring the scale and significance of the ongoing primary elections.
Ultimately, political analysts insist that consensus arrangements can only succeed when they are transparent, inclusive, and broadly accepted by stakeholders. Otherwise, they risk creating resentment, internal divisions, and possible electoral setbacks.
As the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections, Nigerians are once again being reminded that democracy thrives when citizens exercise their constitutional rights freely and responsibly.
The call remains for eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and support candidates they consider competent, credible, and capable of delivering good governance, irrespective of political affiliations.
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Yakubu Mustapha Bina is a Journalist and Public Affair Analyst. He writes from Minna, Niger State, Nigeria.
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