The political landscape for the 2027 general election is heating up, with Niger State Governor Umar Bago making a dramatic and unconventional move by declaring himself the Director-General of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
The governor, while addressing an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting on Monday, boldly stated, “I am now the self-imposed director-general of Tinubu campaign for 2027.”
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He also designated Niger State as the “campaign headquarters for Asiwaju 2027,” a clear signal of his intention to be at the forefront of the president’s political efforts.
Bago’s declaration is particularly notable given the recent warning from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against “premature campaigns” before the 2027 elections. INEC has stated that such activities are a violation of the Electoral Act.
In his speech, the governor was unapologetic in his defense of the Tinubu administration. He criticized politicians who oppose the South retaining the presidency, citing an “unwritten understanding” of power rotation as a foundation for national peace. He also lambasted what he called “disgruntled” party members who have turned against the APC, accusing them of being ungrateful despite having benefited from the party’s tenure.
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Bago defended the president against critics who blame him for the country’s economic and security challenges. He argued that Tinubu inherited these problems and is actively working to resolve them. The governor pointed to claimed improvements in security in Niger State as evidence of the administration’s positive impact, stating that residents can now sleep with their eyes closed.
This early declaration by a high-profile governor sets a combative tone for the lead-up to the 2027 elections, potentially sparking further debate and testing the boundaries set by the electoral commission.
