Women’s groups across the 25 local councils of Niger State have endorsed an African Democratic Congress (ADC) aspirant, Dr Mohammed Kpautagi Mohammed, for the 2027 gubernatorial election, citing the need to save the state from its current misrule and maladministration.

The women, led by the Coalition for Women Campaign, were represented by Hajiya Aisha Mai Youth of Suleja, who said the gathering aimed to appreciate Dr Kpautagi for the new year and to urge him to prepare and accept the clarion call to contest the next general elections in the state.

Mai Youth declared that Niger State needs a good and purposeful leader who will prioritise the citizens, empower women, reduce poverty, secure lives and property, and demonstrate empathy, inclusivity and patriotism. She assured that women would be mobilised en masse for the 2027 governorship poll.

Mai Youth described Dr Kpautagi as humble, sympathetic, hardworking and results-oriented, and as someone passionate about the development and progress of Niger State. She said this motivated their call for him to contest the governorship to change the state’s narrative for the better.

In separate remarks, the three zonal coordinators of the movement—Hauwa Musa, Mrs Mary Ishaku Shashere and Sadiya Shehu Kontagora—criticised the incompetence of the current All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in Niger State. They expressed regret for voting for the APC in the previous general elections, noting that its leadership had failed to make a positive impact in local communities. They called for a competent leadership under the ADC as the only viable alternative in 2027.

Also speaking, the state coordinator of the movement and former member of the House of Representatives representing Lapai/Agaie Federal Constituency, Abdullahi Mahmoud, commended the women for their foresight in identifying the right individual for leadership. He noted that women constitute a significant voting bloc and can influence election outcomes.

Responding, Dr Kpautagi said it was not yet time for a campaign. He recalled that he contested in 2023 and thanked the women for deeming him worthy to lead the state. He assured them that when the time comes, he would heed the clarion call for the betterment of Niger State and Nigeria.

Dr Kpautagi also commended the current administration under Governor Mohammed Umar Bago for demonstrating capacity and achievements. He pledged that, if given the mandate to serve in 2027, he would implement policies to enhance development in all sectors without regrets from voters.

He further noted that he has a well-articulated manifesto prioritising grassroots development at local government levels, which he said could drive significant progress and reduce rural-urban migration in the state.