A former Chief of Staff to ex-Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, Mikail Al-Ami Bmitosahi, has led the Niger Rescue Movement (NRM) Political Family out of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of sidelining stakeholders and running the state without consultation.
Speaking at a press conference in Minna on Thursday, Bmitosahi said the decision followed extensive consultations with political leaders, stakeholders, youths and women across the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He explained that the group chose the ADC because it believes the party offers a credible platform built on inclusiveness, internal democracy and practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
According to him, the movement will immediately activate its structures across the 25 local government areas of the state to work for the ADC’s success in the 2027 elections.
“Our people deserve security, jobs, quality education, quality healthcare, potable water and good roads. We believe the ADC provides the best platform to achieve that,” he said.
Bmitosahi added that the group’s campaign would extend to every ward, village and polling unit, stressing that it would focus on issues affecting the people rather than engaging in bitter politics.
He also criticised Governor Bago’s style of governance, alleging that the governor ignores advice from elders and senior political stakeholders.
According to him, unlike the administration of former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, where projects were discussed at executive council meetings before implementation, Governor Bago allegedly announces projects without consulting members of his cabinet.
Also speaking, the former Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Alhaji Mamman Musa, said the group decided to leave the APC after concluding that Niger State was heading in the wrong direction.
“We have structures across the 25 local government areas and wards. We are determined to rescue the state from what we consider bad leadership and waste of public funds,” Musa said.
He alleged that several stakeholders had advised Governor Bago on governance but claimed the governor refused to listen.
According to him, “I have personally and including some of us here spoken to him, but he doesn’t listen to anyone. Some elders and stakeholders have tried too. He simply does what he wants. Our decision is not about personal interest but about the growth and development of Niger State.”
Reacting to speculation that the defection was linked to a disagreement between former Governor Bello and Governor Bago, Musa dismissed the claim.
“If there was any problem between them, you would have heard. We took this decision on our own because the issue is beyond the former governor,” he said.
