APC Losing Three Councillorship Seats Attests to LG Polls Fairness, Says Gov Bago

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has asserted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) losing three out of the total 274 councillorship seats in last Saturday’s local government elections demonstrates the credibility and fairness of the polls.

Dependable NG reports that Governor Bago made the statement while receiving the 25 chairmen-elect and their deputies, all of whom are members of the APC, at the Government House in Minna. The newly elected council leaders visited the Governor shortly after receiving their Certificates of Return from the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC).

While congratulating the new council leaders, the Governor urged them to be magnanimous and humble in victory, encouraging them to extend a hand of fellowship to their opponents who contested the election. He also charged the incoming leaders to prioritize working collectively and harmoniously to ensure effective service delivery at the grassroots level, assuring them of his administration’s full support.

Governor Bago further directed the outgoing chairmen to immediately begin preparations for a smooth transition process to their successors. Addressing a contentious issue, the Governor cautioned the APC party against engaging in contempt of court regarding the Paikoro Local Government seat, advising that they wait patiently until the court delivers its final verdict. The APC State Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Musa Bobi, commended the Governor for his unwavering support which contributed to the party’s sweeping success in the elections, while the new ALGON chairman, Alhaji Iliyasu Zakari, assured the Governor of the new leadership’s commitment to prioritizing women and youth empowerment, as well as education, in their administrations.