Niger 2027: At least 10 APC lawmakers may defect to PDP

Ex-FIRS chairman Muhammad Nami has emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Niger State. The decision was announced by Nami's campaign team in a press release issued on Saturday. The PDP aims to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming elections. Nami, a technocrat and former tax administrator, previously ran for the Niger South Senatorial seat under the APC. His switch to the PDP marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Niger State, signaling a potential realignment in the region ahead of the 2027 elections. The PDP stated that Nami's candidacy reflects the party's commitment to "competence, transparency, and people-oriented governance." Nami served as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) from December 2019 to September 2023. During his tenure, FIRS achieved record tax collections, exceeding ₦12.3 trillion in 2022 despite economic challenges. He played a key role in modernizing the tax system, introducing the TaxPro-Max platform and expanding the tax base to include the informal sector and digital economy. A Chartered Tax Practitioner and Chartered Accountant, Nami is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). Before joining FIRS, he worked with KPMG and participated in various government committees focused on revenue and fiscal policy. Hailing from Niger State, Nami maintains strong grassroots connections, especially in Niger South, where he initially entered politics. Analysts suggest that Nami's reputation as a technocrat with no major scandals during his time at FIRS could resonate well with voters seeking accountable and visionary leadership. Given the current APC administration in Niger State, Nami's candidacy provides the PDP with a nationally recognized figure, administrative experience, and access to resources. Key issues likely to feature prominently in his campaign include agriculture, youth unemployment, security, education, and infrastructure across the state's three senatorial zones. PDP stakeholders in Minna described Nami's selection as a "unifying choice" that bridges the gap between technocrats and grassroots politics. Nami is anticipated to reveal his campaign team and manifesto in the near future. "The time has come for Niger State to be governed with competence, integrity, and focus on the people," stated his campaign team. Senator Abdul'Aziz Yari, newly appointed Director-General of President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Campaign Council, sparked controversy by suggesting that the APC might remain in power beyond 2031. His remarks were interpreted as an attempt to project the ruling party's dominance on a longer political horizon. The PDP responded swiftly, with its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, cautioning Yari to focus on his immediate responsibilities rather than speculate about the future. The PDP denied any notion of having conceded the 2027 elections to the APC or accepting the idea of the ruling party's continued dominance. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) took a more aggressive stance, criticizing Yari's comments and questioning the political foundation of his confidence. Sources indicate that at least 10 members of the Niger State House of Assembly may defect from the APC to the PDP this week. These potential moves follow the defection of Muhammad Nami to the PDP. Consultations between the affected legislators and PDP stakeholders have progressed to an advanced stage. The lawmakers are expected to formally announce their decisions after consulting with their constituents and political allies. One source noted that preparations are well underway, with a high degree of consensus among stakeholders. If confirmed, these defections could significantly impact the political dynamics within the Niger State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 elections. Political realignment is intensifying in Niger State, with both the APC and PDP strengthening their structures in anticipation of the upcoming contests. The PDP's recent endorsement of Nami as its gubernatorial candidate follows reports that other aspirants stepped aside in favor of him. However, the PDP faces challenges, including the recent defection of its former chairman, Tanko Beji, to the APC. Beji claimed the APC offered a better platform for contributing to Niger State's development. The evolving situation suggests that the struggle for political dominance in Niger State is already unfolding, with politicians across major parties reassessing their positions. The identities of the lawmakers expected to defect and the specific date of their formal announcements remain uncertain at this point.