A prominent support group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State has thrown its weight behind Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and Senator Sani Musa, declaring them worthy of re-election for another term in office.

The group, under the aegis of the APC Grassroots Mobilization Network, made the endorsement during a strategic meeting held in Minna on Tuesday, citing the duo’s impressive performance, developmental strides, and commitment to the welfare of the people of Niger State.

In a communique signed by its Coordinator, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, and Secretary, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed, the group highlighted Governor Bago’s transformative leadership since assuming office.

“Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has redefined governance in Niger State,” the communique stated.

“His administration has prioritized infrastructure development, agricultural revolution, education, healthcare, and security with visible results across the three senatorial districts.

“From massive road constructions and urban renewal projects in Minna and other major towns to the revitalization of agricultural value chains that have boosted food production and empowered farmers, Bago has delivered on his promises.”

The group specifically praised the governor’s efforts in attracting investments to the state, improving the ease of doing business, and his proactive approach to tackling insecurity through community engagement and enhanced collaboration with security agencies.

On Senator Sani Musa, who represents the Niger East Senatorial District, the APC group lauded his legislative contributions and constituency outreach programmes.

“Senator Sani Musa has been a strong voice for Niger State at the Red Chamber. His quality representation is evident in sponsored bills and motions that address critical national and state issues, as well as numerous empowerment and developmental projects executed across his constituency,” the statement added.

The group noted that Senator Musa’s consistent support for Governor Bago’s developmental agenda has created a harmonious working relationship that is benefiting the people.

They described the senator as a “reliable bridge” between the state and the federal government.

“Changing leadership now would amount to a setback. Governor Bago and Senator Sani Musa have laid a solid foundation. They deserve the opportunity to build upon it for the next four years.”

Oil mogul and philanthropist Tein T.S. Jack-Rich on Wednesday fired a warning shot at “new entrants” in the All Progressives Congress, vowing that legacy members who built the party will not be pushed aside, moments after submitting his expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the Rivers West Senatorial District seat on the APC platform.

“Today, I came to submit my form for expression of interest and nomination for the seat of Senate of Rivers West, Rivers State, because I am from Rivers State,” Jack-Rich told journalists in Abuja after filing his papers at the APC national secretariat. He said the move was driven by a long-standing commitment to the party and a desire to deliver “experienced and effective representation” for his people.

But the businessman quickly pivoted from his ambition to party politics, drawing a line in the sand over internal displacement. “What is important to the party is to continue to recognise and honour legacy members who have been there from inception, while also accommodating new entrants for growth,” he said. Balancing inclusiveness with loyalty, he added: “It is important to hold dearly your biological child while adopting new children. That balance must be maintained.”

Jack-Rich, who claims over 28 years in the oil industry, positioned himself as a foundation pillar of the APC. “I have been one of the key supporters of this party at both the state and national levels. I have supported governors, assembly members, representatives, senators and even presidents, and I will continue to do so,” he said.

His tone hardened as he recalled the party’s early struggles. “We were there when they called us names. I was there when they didn’t believe in us and when they tried to stop us,” he said. “Today that we have a president, some people are coming in hard and trying to push us out. We will not accept it.”

While welcoming the “influx of new members” as good for democratic expansion, Jack-Rich cautioned that it “should not come at the expense of those who built the party.” He added, “These new entrants are welcome, as it is good for the expansion of democracy, but they cannot take everything away.”

Despite the internal warnings, the Rivers-born aspirant struck an optimistic note on his chances. “I am happy to say I have submitted my form, and I am going to work hard for the primaries. I believe strongly that I will win the Senate seat. Rivers West will be great again,” he declared.

Jack-Rich also pitched his professional track record as legislative capital. “I have over 28 years of experience in the oil industry,” he noted, saying the expertise would be an “added advantage in legislative duties,” particularly on energy, Niger Delta development, and economic policy.

With his form now submitted, Jack-Rich enters a Rivers West race expected to test the APC’s ability to manage its old guard and new wave under one tent — a balance he insists the party cannot afford to get wrong.

The advocacy group, Niger Without Borders has formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State for a second term, and Senator Mohammed Sani Musa for a third term in the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was announced on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at a press conference held in Abuja.

In his address, Comrade Hussaini Abubakar described the decision as rooted in performance, policy direction, and measurable outcomes at both federal and state levels.

“After a careful and evidence-based assessment of governance at the federal and subnational levels, Niger Without Borders hereby endorses the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago for a second term, and Senator Mohammed Sani Musa for a third term in 2027,” the group declared.

The statement highlighted President Tinubu’s economic reforms, noting that difficult decisions such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange market have begun yielding results.

It cited a narrowing fiscal deficit (from over 5% to around 3% of GDP), strengthening economic growth projections approaching 4.5%, easing inflation from above 30% to the mid-teens, improved external reserves, and higher government revenue.

“These gains did not come without sacrifice. But they have placed Nigeria on a path that is sustainable,” the speech stated, warning that disrupting the current trajectory would amount to regression.

On Governor Bago, popularly known as the “Farmer Governor,” the group praised his focus on agriculture, positioning Niger State as a potential food production hub for Nigeria and West Africa through mechanised farming, irrigation investments, and rural infrastructure development.

“What we are witnessing is a shift from subsistence agriculture to agribusiness. This matters not just for Niger State, but for Nigeria’s food security,” it added.

Senator Mohammed Sani Musa was commended for moving beyond routine representation to strategic legislative influence, including sponsoring bills on employment, infrastructure protection, and institutional reforms, as well as effective committee roles.

The group argued that Nigeria is in a critical consolidation phase of reforms initiated in 2023 and urged citizens to prioritise continuity, stability, and progress over policy disruptions.

“Nations do not progress by constantly restarting their policies. They progress by sustaining and refining them,” the statement emphasised.

The Niger Without Borders called on Nigerians, especially stakeholders in Niger State, to focus on long-term national interest in the 2027 elections.