By Baba Alfa, Minna

A leading member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Umar Abdulkadir Agaie, has condemned the endorsement of Niger State Governor, Mr Muhammad Umar Bago, for a second term by the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling it premature, unnecessary and a distraction from governance.

In a statement titled Soul of Democracy, Mr Abdulkadir, who now works with a coalition of political groups, accused the APC of “overheating the polity without cause.”

“Two years into a four-year term, the ruling APC is already campaigning for a candidate without waiting for INEC directives. This is not politics; this is desperation by selfish leaders to the detriment of the Nigerian masses,” he stated.

He underscored that political campaigns for candidates can only begin once the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issues its official timetable and schedule of activities.

According to him, the process for selecting a party’s flagbearer is enshrined in law, and only duly accredited delegates from ward, local government, state and national levels can elect candidates.

He pointed out that the delegates who participated in the 2022 primaries have completed their mandate and must be replaced before any new nominations take place.

Citing the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act, Mr Abdulkadir explained that even when only one candidate emerges, delegates are still required to vote, using the ‘ayes’ and ‘nays’ procedure, to confirm the nomination.

He insisted that APC stakeholders backing Mr Bago have no legal authority to anoint him at this stage, warning that the party should concentrate on fulfilling its electoral promises to Niger State residents rather than engaging in early political manoeuvring.

“It is evident that the Bago camp is desperate to avoid competition, particularly from a formidable challenger like Mr Mamman Nami in the 2027 gubernatorial race. Why the rush to endorse Bago?” Mr Abdulkadir asked.

He noted that Mr Nami, in a recent Facebook post, advised his supporters to respect due process, await INEC’s election timetable and prepare strategically for the right moment.

Mr Abdulkadir concluded that if Governor Bago’s record is as strong as claimed, he should embrace competition and allow the people’s will to prevail, rather than stifling choice through premature endorsements.