2027: Bago backs Tinubu’s re-election, says power rotation key to national unity

Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger has reaffirmed the importance of Nigeria power rotation arrangement, saying it is necessary for peaceful coexistence, political stability and sustained democracy.

Bago stated this when he received members of Talba Minna Vanguard for Bago, Arewa Arewa for Asiwaju and other groups at the Government House in Minna on Wednesday.

He said the country’s founding fathers established an understanding that political power should rotate between the North and South to promote equity, inclusion and peaceful coexistence.

According to him, the arrangement has contributed to political stability since the return to democratic governance in 1999.

Bago urged Nigerians to sustain the arrangement, saying that the existing political understanding should not be discarded.

He also called for support for President Bola Tinubu to enable his administration to consolidate on its policies and initiatives for national development.

The governor described Tinubu as a father and expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him to coordinate the Presidential campaign in the North-Central zone.

Bago commended former Gov. Babangida Aliyu for his visionary leadership, particularly his vision 2020 development agenda, which he said laid a foundation for several ongoing projects in Niger.

He also highlighted the former governor’s vision for developing a mega city in Minna, with modern infrastructure, quality education, healthcare and housing facilities.

Bago said his administration was committed to sustaining and completing some of the projects and development initiatives initiated by the Aliyu administration.

He cited the proposed five-star hotel project as one of the initiatives being pursued to boost Minna capacity to attract international airlines through the Minna Airport.

According to him, the first phase of the project is expected to be commissioned in 2027.

He urged political stakeholders to preserve the existing power-sharing understanding among Niger three senatorial zones, saying it was important for peace and political stability.

Earlier, Alhaji Ahmed Bello-Agwara, Convener of Talba Minna Vanguard for Bago, said the group would mobilise grassroots support for Bago ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said the group was established to unite political leaders, stakeholders, loyalists and supporters committed to continuity, cooperation and development in Niger state.

Agwara commended Aliyu for supporting Bago administration, describing the relationship between the two leaders as a demonstration of political maturity and statesmanship.

He urged members to remain united, focused and committed to the group objectives, adding that its strength would be measured by its grassroots structures and effective mobilisation.