Fresh indications have emerged of a looming crisis 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 finalising plans for a mass defection from the ruling party.
The aggrieved stakeholders are also calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to urgently intervene to prevent what they describe as the gradual disintegration of the party in the state.
Multiple sources familiar with the development said consultations have intensified in recent weeks amid growing dissatisfaction over alleged exclusion, political marginalisation and the management of internal party affairs.
The development has already sparked anxiety within political circles, with observers warned 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 said to be dissatisfied with recent political developments within the APC.
A key member of the coalition from the Suleja Emirate, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of 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 aimed at challenging 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, not to one individual. Many loyal party members who laboured for the party’s success now feel alienated and ignored,” the source said.
He added that consultations were ongoing with influential political actors, community leaders and grassroots structures across the state’s 25 local government areas.
“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 be linked to the battle for political supremacy ahead of the 2027 general elections, as various interest groups reposition for the next electoral cycle.
While the APC has maintained political dominance in Niger State for over a decade, producing governors, lawmakers and other key office holders, recent developments suggest that unresolved internal disagreements may be weakening the party’s cohesion.
Observers also warn that if prominent political figures with established grassroots structures eventually defect to opposition parties or align with a new political movement, the political landscape in the state could change significantly.
A political analyst in Minna said no political party could afford to ignore its grassroots leaders and long-serving loyalists.
“If these aggrieved stakeholders eventually leave the APC, it could significantly alter the political equation in Niger State and make the 2027 elections far more competitive,” the analyst said.
Also speaking, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, a former senior aide to ex-Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, appealed to President Tinubu and APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda to urgently intervene to preserve the party’s unity in the state.
“As it stands now, if the President or the National Chairman do not quickly intervene, I doubt there would be anything left of the Niger APC after 2027. This was the same party we laboured to build, but it is unfortunately disintegrating under our watch because of the selfishness of a microscopic few,” Idris said.
A former Chairman of Lapai Local Government Area, who also requested anonymity, confirmed that stakeholders in the area had concluded arrangements to leave the APC, expressing fears that those who remain in the party may resort to anti-party activities during the 2027 elections.
Although it remains unclear which political platform the aggrieved politicians may eventually adopt, sources said preliminary discussions have already begun 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 key officials were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.
With political activities gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the unfolding developments in Niger State may signal the beginning of a fierce contest for control of the state’s political structure, posing a significant test to the APC’s long-standing dominance in the North-Central state.
