The governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, says the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state is intensifying efforts to produce consensus candidates for all elective positions ahead of the party’s primaries.
Speaking on Thursday after submitting his nomination and expression of interest forms, Bago said party leaders were working to build internal agreement among aspirants in a bid to avoid divisive contests.
The governor, however, warned that the party would revert to direct primaries should negotiations fail to yield consensus candidates.
“We are trying as much as possible to arrive at consensus aspirants for all positions,” Bago said, signalling the party’s preference for internal unity as political manoeuvring ahead of future elections gathers pace.
The move reflects a broader strategy often adopted within Nigeria’s ruling party, where consensus arrangements are used to minimise factional disputes and strengthen cohesion before major electoral contests.
