MINNA, Nigeria — Ibrahim Idris, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former senior aide to ex-Governor Sani Bello, has warned that the ruling party risks losing its political dominance in Niger State if President Bola Tinubu and the party’s national chairman fail to urgently intervene in the lingering internal crisis.
In a statement issued on Monday, Idris described the situation as having reached a critical stage, cautioning that former commissioners, ex-political appointees, serving lawmakers, and grassroots leaders are considering leaving the party over alleged marginalisation and dissatisfaction with the management of internal affairs.
“As it stands today, if the President and the National Chairman fail to intervene swiftly, I doubt if there will be anything substantial left of the APC in Niger State after 2027,” Idris said. “This is the same party many of us sacrificed to build over the years. Sadly, it is gradually disintegrating under our watch because of the selfish interests of a microscopic few.”
Multiple sources familiar with the development disclosed that consultations among the aggrieved stakeholders had intensified in recent weeks, with many reportedly considering alternative political platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Investigations revealed that the aggrieved camp includes former commissioners who served under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, former appointees of former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, members of the Niger State House of Assembly, and several influential party leaders across the state’s 25 local government areas.
A prominent member of the coalition from Suleja Emirate, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the group had agreed to await the release of the APC’s authentic list of candidates before unveiling its next political move. “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 laboured for the party’s success now feel alienated and ignored,” the source said.
Also confirming the growing discontent, a former Chairman of Lapai Local Government Area, who requested anonymity, said arrangements had been concluded by many stakeholders in the area to exit the APC. He expressed fears that even those who might remain in the party could eventually engage in anti-party activities during the 2027 elections.
Idris noted that consultations are ongoing with community leaders, political actors, and grassroots structures across the state on the next move. “We are building a formidable coalition that cuts across various political interests. Once our position is made public, many people will realise that the current situation within the party is no longer sustainable,” he added.
Efforts to obtain reactions from the Niger State APC leadership were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to some party officials were not returned as of the time of filing this report.
Political observers believe the unfolding crisis may be linked to the struggle for political supremacy ahead of the next electoral cycle, as different interest groups reposition themselves for relevance. They warn that any mass defection by prominent political figures with established structures could significantly alter the political landscape of Niger State and pose a serious threat to the APC’s dominance in one of its traditional strongholds in the North-Central region.
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of 2027, the emerging cracks within the Niger APC appear to signal the beginning of an intense battle for control of the state’s political structure.
