ADC declares Kpautagi winner of Niger governorship primary

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…Rival Camp Keeps Silent

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By Wole Mosadomi, Minna

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The African Democratic Congress in Niger State has announced Dr Muhammad Kpautagi as winner of its governorship primary election held across the state on Monday, with a rival faction declining to comment on the outcome.

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Announcing the result, Secretary of the Electoral Committee for the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, said the exercise was “free, fair and transparent.”

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According to him, Dr Kpautagi won in 24 out of the 25 local government areas, polling a total of 67,924 votes to defeat his only opponent, Alhaji Idris Usman, who scored 21,769 votes and won only in Bida Local Government Area, his place of origin.

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Mohammed also announced the outcome of the senatorial primary for Zone A, where Alhaji Sheshi Baba emerged winner with 28,636 votes, defeating Alhaji Hassan Gimba, who polled 11,666 votes.

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Speaking after his victory, Dr Kpautagi described his emergence as divinely ordained and expressed appreciation to party members for their support.

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“The victory is ordained by God, and I thank ADC members for considering me worthy of this mandate,” he said.

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He promised to prioritise governance reforms in the state, accusing the ruling administration of mismanagement.

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“The APC government has mismanaged the state and I promise to right all the wrongs and put the state back on the path of development within two years of assumption of office,” he said.

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Kpautagi also pledged to tackle insecurity, including banditry and terrorism, if elected governor.

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“My administration will confront banditry and terrorism head-on so that people can live without fear or apprehension,” he added.

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However, the chairman of a rival faction in the state, Alhaji Musa Hassan, declined to comment when contacted by journalists, saying he was unavailable to speak on the matter.

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