Governor Umaru Bago has urged executives of the All Progressives Congress in Niger to remain neutral ahead of the party’s primary elections.

Mr Bago gave the advice on Monday night at an expanded stakeholders’ meeting of the party in Minna. He warned aspirants against offering money to party officials, stressing that such an act would be regarded as bribery.

The governor emphasised the importance of consensus in candidate selection, noting that it would make the process easier for the party.

He, however, said that where consensus could not be reached, the party would conduct direct primary elections.

According to him, critical stakeholders of the APC from Niger’s 25 council areas will meet within the next two weeks to produce consensus candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives, and state assembly.

Mr Bago also advised stakeholders to respect existing zoning arrangements in areas where they already exist, while those without such arrangements should consider adopting them.

He assured aspirants of fairness and urged party members to remain united to strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mu’azu Bawa-Rijau, the APC vice-chairman (North-Central), said the party would ensure fairness by providing a level playing field for all aspirants.

Similarly, the Niger APC chairman, Aminu Musa-Bobi, said the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to obtain inputs on the mode of primary election to be adopted.

Mr Bobi reassured members of his commitment to the party’s growth and progress in Niger.

Information Mohammed Idris described the meeting as unprecedented. He said it provided an opportunity for stakeholders to make meaningful contributions on how the party’s primaries should be conducted.

Mr Idris urged aspirants to accept the outcome of the primaries and work collectively for the party’s success in the general elections.

Other stakeholders from the three senatorial districts who spoke at the meeting also stressed the need for unity and fairness among aspirants and party members. 

(NAN)