Crisis Deepens in Niger APC, Big Names Weigh Mass Defection

Fresh signs of a major political crisis have emerged within the Niger State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with influential stakeholders, including former commissioners, ex-political appointees, serving lawmakers and grassroots leaders, reportedly finalising plans to defect from the ruling party.

Sources familiar with the development said consultations have intensified in recent weeks amid growing dissatisfaction over alleged exclusion, political marginalisation and the handling of internal party affairs. The situation has sparked concern among political observers, who warn that a mass defection could trigger one of the biggest political realignments in Niger State since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Investigations indicate that the aggrieved camp includes 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 dissatisfied with recent developments within the APC.
A prominent member of the coalition from the Suleja Emirate, who spoke anonymously because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the group had agreed to wait for 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 resisting what he described as the increasing 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 and not to one individual. Many loyal party members who worked tirelessly for the party’s success now feel alienated and ignored,” the source said.
The source also revealed that consultations are ongoing with influential politicians, 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 growing crisis may be linked to the battle for political supremacy ahead of the 2027 general elections, as different interest groups reposition themselves for the next electoral cycle.
The APC has dominated Niger State politics for more than a decade, producing governors, lawmakers and other key office holders. However, recent developments suggest that unresolved grievances and internal disagreements may be weakening the party’s unity.
Observers also warn that the discontent among key stakeholders could have significant political consequences if prominent figures with established support structures decide to join opposition parties or form a new political alliance.
A political analyst in Minna said no political party could afford to neglect its grassroots leaders and loyal members, adding that the departure of the aggrieved stakeholders could significantly reshape the political landscape in Niger State and make the 2027 elections far more competitive.
Meanwhile, former Senior Aide to ex-Governor Bello, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, appealed to President Bola Tinubu and APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, to urgently intervene and rescue the party from the growing crisis.
“As it stands now, if the President or the National Chairman do not quickly intervene, I doubt if there would be anything left in 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. He expressed concern that those who remain in the party could eventually engage in anti-party activities during the 2027 elections.
Although it remains unclear which political platform the aggrieved politicians may eventually join, sources disclosed that 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 this report was filed.
With political activities gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the unfolding developments in Niger State may mark the beginning of an intense struggle for control of the state’s political structure, with potentially far-reaching implications for the APC’s dominance in one of its traditional North-Central strongholds.