Fear of 2027 stops me from acting – Gov Bago 

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has said the struggle for a second term in office is preventing him from taking tough decisions needed to move the state forward.

The governor made the statement on Thursday while speaking at the swearing-in of newly appointed commissioners, local government chairmen and their deputies, permanent secretaries, and members of boards and agencies in Minna.

Bago said the pressure of re-election politics has turned governance into a careful balancing act, making it difficult to enforce discipline or implement decisive policies.

“There are some steps I should have taken to move the state forward, but I cannot because of fear that such actions may affect my chances in 2027,” he said.

The governor explained that some officials who failed examinations and deserved sanctions were spared due to political considerations linked to second-term ambition.

“I am preoccupied with the search for a second term, and because of that, governance is suffering,” Bago said, adding that this was why he supports a single-term tenure for governors.

According to him, everything in Niger State has become politicised, limiting the ability of leaders to act boldly in the interest of the people.

On the recent abduction of students and teachers of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, Bago described the incident as strange to the state and called on residents to stand united against insecurity.

He said forests that were once safe for activities such as scouting have now become hideouts for bandits, leading to rising cases of kidnapping.

The governor urged prayers and collective efforts for the rescue of those still in captivity and for peace to return to all parts of the state.

Bago also charged newly sworn-in officials to align with his “New Niger Agenda,” stressing that there should be no discrimination based on origin, religion, or background.

He said portfolios for the newly appointed commissioners would be announced within one wee