Niger 2027 Governorship Race Heats Up as APC Battles Defections, ADC Eyes Upset, PDP Pushes Back

The race for the 2027 governorship election in Niger State is gathering momentum months before voters head to the polls, with shifting political alliances, defections and internal party battles reshaping the contest.

What began as disagreements over party primaries has evolved into a broader struggle for political control, forcing major parties to reassess their strategies. While the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is working to reunite members after a divisive primary process, opposition parties believe the emerging cracks present an opportunity to challenge the party’s dominance.

The political realignments gathered pace after the APC conducted its primaries in May 2026. Although party leaders described the exercise as successful, several aspirants expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome in some constituencies. While some remained within the party to seek reconciliation, others chose to explore alternative political platforms, triggering one of the state’s biggest waves of defections in recent years.

One of the most significant developments came on July 16 when the Niger Rescue Movement Political Family announced its departure from the APC to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Led by former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, Maikil Al-Amin Bmitosahi, the group moved alongside former commissioners, former local government chairmen, councillors and numerous supporters. They cited dissatisfaction with political developments following the APC primaries and pledged to work for change in the 2027 elections.

The defections immediately generated mixed reactions across the political landscape. Opposition parties argued they exposed growing divisions within the ruling party, while the APC dismissed the move as politically insignificant, insisting it remained united and fully prepared for the coming elections.

Determined to prevent further divisions, Governor Umaru Bago convened a reconciliation meeting with APC candidates, unsuccessful aspirants and senior party stakeholders. The gathering, held on July 25, brought together Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, APC North Central Zonal Vice Chairman Mu’azu Bawa Rijau, State Chairman Aminu Musa Bobi and other party leaders.

During the meeting, Bago appealed for unity, urging members to place the interests of the APC above personal ambitions. He stressed that loyalty to the party, President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his administration’s New Niger Agenda would be critical to retaining power in 2027. Party officials described the meeting as a deliberate effort to heal divisions and strengthen the APC ahead of the election.

The reconciliation efforts came shortly after comments by Governor Bago sparked political debate across the state. During a visit to Kagara following communal violence in Rafi Local Government Area, the governor disclosed that he possessed records relating to the previous administration but had deliberately chosen not to investigate former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello. He said maintaining peace and political stability was more important than pursuing what he described as political vendettas.

Bago also criticised politicians who abandoned the APC after losing the primaries, suggesting that some were driven by personal ambitions rather than the overall interest of the state. He further warned against the spread of fake news and directed security agencies to investigate individuals circulating information capable of causing public unrest.

Amid speculation about divisions within the ruling party, the Niger State Government dismissed claims that influential political leaders had withdrawn support for Governor Bago. His Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, maintained that elder statesmen, including former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, continued to support the administration and had commended its development efforts.