The governor made the declaration on Sunday during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Minna. The meeting was called in response to growing unrest within the state chapter of the ruling party after its primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Hundreds of party members, including unsuccessful aspirants for governorship, National Assembly and State Assembly seats, attended the gathering. Many of them had voiced frustration over the consensus arrangement adopted by the party during the primaries. Some of the aggrieved aspirants had earlier held a separate meeting in Abuja to discuss their options.
The fallout from the primaries has already led to a mass exit from the APC in Niger. Several former commissioners, past local government chairmen, ex-councillors, and other key figures who served in the last administration have announced their departure.
Leading the latest group of defectors is a former Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, Alhaji Maikil Bmitosahi. He publicly criticized the current administration, accusing it of operating what he termed a one-man government that sidelines party stakeholders.
Addressing the stakeholders, Governor Bago urged those unhappy with the outcome of the primaries to sheath their grievances. He called for unity and asked members to continue working with the APC and his government.
He praised the aspirants for showing restraint after losing out. According to him, the administration remains committed to an inclusive approach and will continue to find roles for loyal party members across different levels of government. He also restated his commitment to policies aimed at improving infrastructure, agriculture, education and healthcare across the state.
However, the governor drew a line on public criticism. He warned that anyone planning to leave the party must do so without attacking his administration in the media.
“Those who want to leave the party should do so quietly without making noise,” Bago said. “If not, they will be put where noisemakers are.”
In a more pointed remark, the governor revealed that his office holds records detailing alleged misconduct by members of the previous administration. He said the files contain information on what he described as dirty deals carried out by former appointees.
“I have the files of all former appointees of the immediate past administration and their dirty deals,” he stated. “But I decided to keep quiet for peace to reign in the state.”
Bago went further to say he is ready to follow the example set at the federal level in handling political opponents. He referenced President Bola Tinubu’s handling of dissent within the party, noting that such an approach has been effective in maintaining discipline.
“I’m his son, my father cannot be ruthless and I will be quiet,” the governor added, suggesting that while he prefers peace, he will not hesitate to act if provoked.
The governor also used the meeting to address the spread of information on social media. He cautioned individuals circulating what he called false narratives about his government. He advised critics to make use of the Freedom of Information Act to seek official data instead of relying on unverified posts online. He warned that failure to follow due process could attract legal action.
Party leaders present at the meeting backed the governor’s position. National Vice Chairman of the APC for the North Central zone, Mu’azu Bawa, commended Bago’s leadership style. He said the governor’s efforts have helped to stabilize the party in Niger despite the recent turbulence.
Niger State APC Chairman, Musa Bobi, also spoke in support. He noted that the party structure in the state remains strong and that the current administration has recorded visible progress that should keep members together.
Speaking on behalf of House of Representatives aspirants who were not successful in the primaries, Abdulrazak Jakadan Borgu reaffirmed loyalty to the APC. He said the group has accepted the results and will focus on mobilizing for the party’s success in 2027.
“We remain committed to the unity and victory of the APC,” Borgu told the gathering. “Our goal is to ensure the party wins convincingly in the next general elections.”
The developments in Niger mirror a broader national conversation about party discipline and defections. At the federal level, the Tinubu administration has been accused by opposition figures of using anti-corruption agencies to target prominent former APC members who have left the party. Names such as Nasir El-Rufai and Abubakar Malami have featured in those discussions. Critics allege there is selective enforcement, with serving APC members facing similar allegations left untouched.
Governor Bago’s comments suggest Niger may see a similar pattern. By referencing the presidency’s approach, he indicated that investigations could be reopened or intensified against those who exit the party and become vocal critics.
Political analysts in Minna say the governor is trying to balance two objectives: calming internal anger to keep the APC united ahead of 2027, while also sending a clear warning to deter further defections and public attacks.
For now, the administration says its focus remains on governance and delivering on campaign promises. The governor reiterated that his door remains open for dialogue with aggrieved members, but insisted that loyalty and decorum must guide political conduct.
The stakeholders’ meeting ended with a resolution to set up reconciliation committees at the zonal and local government levels. The committees are expected to engage aggrieved members, address complaints, and recommend ways to reintegrate them into party activities.
As Niger politics enters a new phase ahead of 2027, the governor’s warning has set the tone for how dissent within the ruling party will be managed. Whether it leads to calm or further division will depend on how both sides navigate the coming months.
