…As aggrieved supporters mull defection to opposition parties

Fresh signs of internal discontent have emerged within the Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with some party stakeholders calling on President Bola Tinubu and the party’s national leadership to intervene over what they describe as unresolved grievances affecting unity within the party.

The stakeholders, who include former political appointees, party leaders and other members, said consultations were ongoing over the state of the party, amid concerns about internal cohesion and political inclusion.

Sources familiar with the discussions said the consultations had intensified in recent weeks, although no official decision had been announced regarding any possible political realignment.

One source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to discuss the matter publicly, said some stakeholders had resolved to await developments within the party before taking any further steps.

According to the source, many members believe greater consultation and inclusiveness are needed to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“There are concerns among some stakeholders about the direction of the party and the need for broader engagement,” the source said. “Many members simply want their voices to be heard and for the party to remain united.”

The source added that consultations were continuing across the state’s local government areas, involving party members and other stakeholders.
Political observers say internal consultations and differing interests are common as political parties begin positioning ahead of major elections, particularly with the 2027 polls drawing closer.

The APC has remained a dominant political force in Niger State since 2015, producing successive governors and maintaining a strong presence across elective offices. However, analysts note that managing internal disagreements will be important to sustaining the party’s cohesion.

Speaking on the situation, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, a former aide to ex-Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to engage stakeholders in the state with a view to addressing their concerns.

“As it stands, we believe timely intervention by the President and the party leadership will help strengthen unity within the party in Niger State,” Idris said.
“This is a party many of us have worked hard to build. We believe dialogue and reconciliation are necessary to ensure that everyone feels carried along.”

A former chairman of Lapai Local Government Area, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, also said some stakeholders had been meeting to discuss the party’s future and expressed hope that ongoing concerns would be resolved through constructive engagement.

According to the source, many members would prefer that internal issues be addressed through dialogue to preserve the party’s unity ahead of future electoral activities.

Although there has been speculation about possible political realignments, it remains unclear whether any stakeholders intend to leave the APC, and no official announcement has been made in that regard.

Efforts to obtain comments from the Niger State APC leadership were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to some party 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, political observers say how the APC manages internal concerns in Niger State could play an important role in shaping the party’s future in one of its traditional strongholds in the North-Central region.