Niger ex-lawmakers endorse Governor Bago for 2027 second term

• Pledge to ensure his re-election in 2027

By John Adams, Minna

The Forum of Former Parliamentarians, comprising members of the National and State Assemblies from Niger State, has unanimously endorsed Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for a second term in office, vowing to work vigorously to secure his re-election in the 2027 polls.

The forum stated that Governor Bago has redefined governance in the state over the past two years, providing transformative leadership across all spheres of human development. This endorsement was part of the resolutions reached during the forum’s inaugural meeting on Monday, May 26, held at the conference hall of the Niger State House of Assembly, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication, Media, and Strategy, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, the meeting was chaired by Hon. Ibrahim Ebbo, a former Member of the House of Representatives for Agaie/Lapai Federal Constituency, and attended by all former national and state assembly members from the state.

The forum highlighted that, as former lawmakers, they have debated passionately, legislated wisely, and guarded democracy jealously, making their collective experience an invaluable asset in shaping Niger State’s political landscape. They pledged to ensure Governor Bago’s re-election to complete his ongoing initiatives.

The chairman of the forum noted that the platform unites intellectual and experienced minds to contribute to state and national development, offering mentorship, policy insights, and moral guidance to current and future leaders.

The forum praised Governor Bago’s legislative background as a former ranking member of the National Assembly, where he left significant marks. Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, he has made tremendous developmental strides, reshaping Niger State’s socio-economic indices. “The harmonious working relationship between the Executive and the legislature in the state is a result of the Governor’s legislative and administrative experience and the technical knowledge of the legislators, led by the versatile Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji,” the forum stated.

The forum lauded Bago’s agricultural revolution, describing it as a standout achievement admired nationwide, alongside unprecedented road construction across the state. “What else can we say about the Governor who assiduously is doing everything humanly possible to improve every facet of our lives other than to appreciate and identify with his laudable initiatives towards attaining his New Niger Agenda,” the forum added, urging Nigerlites to support him to complete his work.

The forum reaffirmed its commitment to Niger State’s progress, pledging to support initiatives promoting unity, development, and good governance.

During a courtesy call on the Governor at the Government House, Bago thanked the forum for their support over the past two years, emphasising that his New Niger Agenda is a vision to transform the state to an enviable level of development. He described the legislative arm as integral to democracy and appreciated the lawmakers’ unity across party lines, noting that their endorsement means a lot to him.

Bago highlighted that his agricultural revolution has earned international recognition, attracting investors to partner with the state in various sectors. He assured the forum that his administration would not betray their trust and promised to complete all ongoing projects before the end of his tenure.