Niger Governor Bago hails APC form submission process, says farmers raised NI50m for his submission documents

Njideka Ozoalor 

Niger state Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago had described the All Progressive Congress (APC), nomination form submission exercise as smooth as a demonstration of internal democracy, saying the process is open to all aspirants without exception.

” So far so good. Democracy is in action.”
Bago said after coming in person to submit his form. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring due process within the party, noting that every aspirant, from governors to state assembly members, must complete and verify their forms before screening. The governor said the exercise reflects the party’s commitment to fairness.

” Every other person that has obtained forms will go and complete them, submit them, and verify them before screening them.

So, it does not isolate any governor or any senator or any lawmakers or any state assembly member”, he stated.
Bago expressed gratitude after farmers in Niger State contributed over N150 million to purchase his nomination form. ” It’s elating. It’s also humbling,’ he said, adding that the gesture came from people ” who live from hand to mouth” but now have more resources due to good government policies.

He explained that the farmers contributed small amounts, with some giving N1,000 and others 2,000. ” They contributed small amounts of money
-some gave 1,000, some 2000- and contributed over 50 million Naira. In fact , right now I still have an additional 100 million that they gathered,” he said. Of the total, N50 million was used to buy the for.

Bago said the support has further motivated him to serve. “That has also motivated,” he added. noting that the backing reflects growing trust in his administration’s agricultural policies.

The governor also highlighted recent federal support for farmers in the state and recall that the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, was in Minna last weekend to flag off the distribution of mechanization equipment and farm inputs for the 2006 farming season.

On the mode of primaries for Niger State, Bago said the party is pursuing consensus where possible but will not shy away from direct primaries if agreement cannot be reached. ” We are trying to build concensus across the built, then we’ll go for direct primaries,” he said.

He described farmers’ contribution as a sign of grassroots endorsement of his leadership and policies. The governor said their action shows that ordinary citizens are now participating actively in political process.

Bago concluded that the APC ‘s transparent process and grassroots involvement are strengthening democracy in the state and across the country.