Niger State has been rocked by a series of high-profile resignations, as several political appointees have stepped down ahead of the 2027 general elections. The move comes after Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago issued a directive requiring all appointees with political ambitions to resign by March 23. Two commissioners, Hajia Ladidi Rakiya Bawa Bosso and Alhaji Haruna Arafat Abubakar Magaji, have already left their positions, along with Ibrahim Dada Bosso, the Coordinator of the Rural Access and Mobility Programme.
The trio has announced their intention to pursue elective positions under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming elections. Hajia Bawa Bosso and Ibrahim Dada Bosso are vying for the Bosso/Paikoro Federal Constituency seat, currently held by Alhaji Yussuf Kure. Meanwhile, Alhaji Arafat Abubakar Magaji is set to challenge the incumbent representative of Suleja-Gurara Federal Constituency, Alhaji Tanko Lokoja of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The resignations signal a growing trend of political realignments within Niger State as the 2027 elections draw near.
The wave of resignations in Niger State highlights the increasing intensity of the 2027 election season. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago's directive, which required appointees with political ambitions to step down, has set the stage for a series of intra-party contests. The fact that several high-profile officials, including commissioners and a senior programme coordinator, have resigned to pursue elective positions underscores the level of competition for seats in the House of Representatives. As Nigerians prepare for the elections, it remains to be seen how these realignments will impact the state's politics.
