Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has rejected claims that members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are leaving the party because of persecution.
The governor insisted that those exiting the APC are doing so based on personal decisions rather than any form of intimidation or victimisation.
Bago made the remarks while addressing journalists after a stakeholders’ meeting attended by APC members from the 25 local government areas of Niger State at the Hauwa Wali Multipurpose Hall, Government House, Minna.
According to him, there is no persecution of politicians in the state, adding that individuals who choose to leave the party do so for reasons best known to them.
He said the issues being raised by defectors were largely personal and driven by individual interests.
The governor also maintained that the APC remains united and strong in Niger State despite claims to the contrary by opposition parties.
Bago disclosed that reconciliation efforts involving aggrieved party members were ongoing and would continue across all levels, including the grassroots.
He noted that post-primary disagreements are common in political parties but expressed confidence that many former members were already returning to the APC, pointing to the large turnout at the stakeholders’ meeting as evidence.
The governor added that the party was becoming more energised and optimistic about attracting even more returnees before the 2027 general election.
He further pledged to sustain consultations and community engagement across the state, expressing confidence that the APC would be in a dominant position by 2027.
Bago also urged party members to intensify mobilisation efforts in their various communities and constituencies, stressing that every APC member has a responsibility to campaign not only for themselves but also for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the next general election.