The PDP, meanwhile, insists it remains a strong contender. State Secretary Hamidu A. A. Kadi Kuta dismissed suggestions that the race would be a two-horse contest between the APC and ADC, asserting that the PDP has the organizational capacity to challenge for power. He emphasized the party’s focus on uploading candidates to INEC’s portal and strengthening its structures across the state.
In contrast, the NDC is battling internal chaos. House of Representatives aspirant Mohammed Abubakar Katcha has called for the resignation of state chairman Ahmed Inuwa, accusing him of aligning the party with APC interests. Two individuals, Alhaji Yahaya Muhammad Guregi and Idris Usman Makanta (Shinkafan Nupe), are both claiming to be the party’s governorship candidate, with posters of both displayed in various parts of the state. A party source told DAILY POST that the crisis has unsettled members and may be orchestrated by external forces to weaken the party.
Beyond party politics, governance issues like security, infrastructure, public spending, education, healthcare, and youth employment are expected to dominate voter concerns. Political analyst Mark Martins cautioned that defections alone won’t determine election outcomes, stressing that grassroots mobilization and party cohesion are key. For Mahmoud Sani, a commercial bus driver in Minna, individual performance will be the deciding factor: “It’s not about party, but who can deliver.”
As campaigns prepare to officially commence, Niger State’s political dynamics remain fluid. The APC is confident of retaining power, the ADC sees opportunity in public dissatisfaction, the PDP asserts its relevance, and the NDC must first resolve its internal disputes. Ultimately, the electorate will decide whether Niger State continues under APC leadership or embraces a new political direction.
Leave a Comment