The political landscape in Niger State has taken a dramatic turn as the All Progressives Congress (APC) officially abolished its long-standing zoning arrangement for the governorship, opening the contest to aspirants from all parts of the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement dated April 3, 2026, signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Musa D. Sarkinkaji, the APC clarified that zoning remains a political convention with no constitutional backing.
“Zoning is a political arrangement, not a constitutional provision. All qualified aspirants from any zone are free to contest,” Sarkinkaji stated.
For over 26 years, the zoning system guided the rotation of power among Niger State’s three senatorial districts, promoting inclusiveness and predictability. However, critics argue that it entrenched mediocrity by prioritizing geography over competence.
Internal Tensions Emerge
The policy shift comes amid growing scrutiny of the relationship between Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, popularly known as “313.”
Speculation intensified after Musa, speaking at a scholarship programme in Bosso on April 1, hinted he might have contested the governorship if not for zoning constraints. Shortly after, posters portraying him as a gubernatorial aspirant surfaced across the state.
Political insiders linked the development to alleged pressure from Governor Bago, particularly over claims that he is backing his long-time ally, Bello Bawa Bwari, for the Niger East senatorial seat currently occupied by Musa.
The perceived endorsement has reportedly strained the once-strong alliance between Bago and Musa, who had collaborated closely during the 2023 APC primaries and general elections.
Musa Denies Governorship Ambition
In a statement issued on April 4, 2026, Senator Musa dismissed the speculation, reaffirming his focus on legislative duties and loyalty to the governor.
“The Distinguished Senator has consistently and publicly stated that he is not a gubernatorial aspirant,” his media office said, emphasizing his respect for Governor Bago as a “leader, brother, and partner in progress.”
The statement also disowned the campaign posters, describing them as misleading and not originating from his camp.
Sources within the party suggest Musa’s denial may have followed interventions by stakeholders and community leaders seeking to preserve unity within the APC ahead of 2027.
Zoning History and Political Shift
Zoning in Niger State dates back to 1999 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which rotated power among the senatorial zones.
Under the arrangement, the late Abdulkadir Abdullahi Kure (Niger South) governed from 1999 to 2007, followed by Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (Niger East) from 2007 to 2015.
When APC took over in 2015, Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger North) served two terms before handing over to Bago (Niger South) in 2023.
While PDP governed for 16 years under zoning, APC maintained the system for 11 years—until its recent abolition.
Mixed Reactions Within Party
Reactions within the party have been divided. Former APC Publicity Secretary, Jonathan Vatsa, described zoning as a system that “imprisoned and enslaved the state,” arguing it promoted mediocrity.
He welcomed its removal as long overdue, noting that other North Central states such as Benue and Kogi do not operate similar arrangements.
However, Vatsa also cautioned against internal divisions, urging reconciliation between Bago and Musa.
“When two elephants fight, it is the ground that suffers,” he warned.
Implications for Niger East
The decision significantly alters political calculations for Niger East, the zone of Senator Musa. Under the former zoning structure, the region was expected to produce the next governor after Bago’s tenure.
With zoning now scrapped, that pathway is no longer guaranteed, opening the race to all zones and intensifying competition.
Observers say this has raised the stakes for political actors in the region, particularly amid reports of the governor’s alleged support for Bwari.
Rising Grassroots Pressure
Adding another layer to the evolving dynamics is agitation from the Suleja axis. The Suleja Emirate First Agenda group recently met with Governor Bago in Abuja, advocating for greater political inclusion.
The group, representing multiple local government areas, argued that their region has faced marginalization since the early 1980s and called for a review of power-sharing arrangements.
In response, Bago emphasized fairness and accountability, stating in a widely circulated Hausa video that elected officials must deliver results or risk replacement.
Outlook for 2027
Political analysts warn that the abolition of zoning, while opening space for merit-based leadership, could also deepen internal rivalries within the APC if not carefully managed.
They predict that the 2027 governorship race in Niger State will be one of the most competitive in recent history, driven by shifting alliances, grassroots mobilization, and regional interests.
As tensions simmer and ambitions rise, the ability of party leaders to maintain unity will be critical. The unfolding dynamics between key figures, especially Bago and Musa, are expected to shape not only party cohesion but also the broader electoral landscape.
With zoning gone, Niger State enters a new political era—one defined less by rotation and more by strategy, influence, and performance.
