The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State has officially abolished its long-standing zoning arrangement for the governorship, a decision that has fundamentally reshaped the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. The move ends 26 years of a rotation system that, while providing inclusive representation, has been criticized by some for prioritizing geography over competence.
The End of a 26-Year Convention
In a statement released on April 3, 2026, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Musa D. Sarkinkaji, clarified that zoning is a “political arrangement” rather than a constitutional requirement. He emphasized that the party’s doors are now open to all qualified aspirants, regardless of their senatorial district.
Historically, the rotation of power in Niger State followed a predictable path:
- 1999–2007: Abdulkadir Abdullahi Kure (Niger South – PDP)
- 2007–2015: Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (Niger East – PDP)
- 2015–2023: Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger North – APC)
- 2023–Present: Mohammed Umaru Bago (Niger South – APC)
By scrapping the system now, the APC has disrupted the expectation that power would naturally return to Niger East after Governor Bago’s tenure.
The Bago–Musa Strain
The abolition of zoning has coincided with visible tension between Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (313), representing Niger East. The friction became public following Musa’s remarks on April 1, where he hinted that zoning had previously restricted his gubernatorial ambitions.
While Senator Musa’s media office issued a categorical denial of any 2027 governorship bid on April 4—affirming his loyalty to Bago’s “#NewNiger” project—insiders suggest the relationship remains strained. The tension is reportedly exacerbated by allegations that Governor Bago is backing his long-time ally, Barrister Bello Bawa Bwari (BBB), for the Niger East senatorial seat in 2027, potentially displacing Musa.
During a meeting with the Suleja Emirate First Agenda group on March 25, Governor Bago was caught on video stating in Hausa: “It’s a must for Sani Musa to serve you well. If he does not serve you well, we will change him.”
Reactions: Merit vs. Inclusion
The decision has divided opinions within the party:
- The Pro-Merit Camp: Former Commissioner for Information, Jonathan Vatsa, hailed the move, arguing that zoning had “imprisoned” the state by promoting mediocrity. He noted that Niger was the only state in the North Central region still clinging to such a rigid formula.
- The Inclusion Advocates: Groups like the Suleja Emirate First Agenda have expressed concerns over marginalization. They pointed out that their specific sub-zone has not produced a governor since the early 1980s and fear that without zoning, minority areas may be permanently excluded from the highest office.
Implications for 2027
Political analysts predict that the 2027 APC governorship primary will be the most competitive in the state’s history. Without the “safety net” of zoning, aspirants will be forced to build cross-zonal alliances and rely on grassroots performance rather than waiting for their “turn.”
For Niger East, the stakes are exceptionally high. The zone was widely expected to be “next in line” under the old system. Now, leaders like Senator Musa and Barrister Bwari must navigate a field where geographic entitlement no longer exists.
As the 2027 cycle approaches, the ability of the APC leadership to manage the “two elephants”—Bago and Musa—will be critical to maintaining party unity and preventing a splintering that could favor the opposition.
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