In what may go down as one of the boldest political declarations ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Governor of Niger State, Umaru Mohammed Bago, on Monday self-appointed himself as the Director General of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign, vowing to rally the North’s political and agricultural power base behind the President.
Speaking at the prestigious Eko Hotels & Suites, venue of the First Bank Agric & Export Expo, themed: “The Fundamentals of Building an Export-Driven Economy”, Bago mixed politics with policy, combining fiery campaign undertones with billion-naira development promises.
The Governor publicly appreciated Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for releasing a ₦5 billion cheque under the 500 Agro-Food Off takers Fund arrangement, describing it as seed capital for not just food security, but sovereignty and national stability.
In the same breath, he praised President Tinubu for “securing a $2.5 billion investment into Nigeria’s food production ecosystem, pledging that Niger State is strategically positioned to maximize the benefits of the intervention.
100,000 Hectares, Ban on Cattle Movements to Lagos
In a move that signals a radical departure from Nigeria’s age-long open grazing practice, Bago promised to allot 100,000 hectares for farming across Niger State’s zones, stressing that agriculture would anchor both food security and youth employment.
More controversially, he vowed to end the movement of live cows from Niger to Lagos, insisting that only processed and frozen meat would henceforth leave his state for southern markets.
“We don’t want ‘Malu’ trekking to Lagos again. My government will terminate the movement of live cattle. From now, only packaged frozen meat will reach Lagos. That is how to modernize agriculture and reduce conflict,” Bago asserted, drawing loud applause.
Politics Meets Agriculture
But it was his political declaration that set the hall abuzz. In a move that observers describe as both daring and symbolic, the Niger State Governor proclaimed himself the Director General of Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign, without waiting for a formal announcement from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“As far as 2027 is concerned, I, Umaru Bago, hereby assume the role of Director General of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidential Campaign. Niger State will deliver, the North will deliver, and Nigeria will stand by this President,” he thundered, his words drawing a mixture of cheers and gasps.
implications for 2027 power play
Political analysts say Bago’s declaration marks the first open shot in what promises to be a heated battle for Tinubu’s re-election machinery. His positioning as both a farmer-governor and political tactician could elevate him as one of the North’s most strategic voices, potentially rivaling long-established Tinubu loyalists.
By tying his campaign claim to agricultural investments, Bago appears to be blending food security with electoral mobilization, a dual strategy that could resonate with both farmers and political elites.
The Road Ahead
While the APC leadership has yet to officially react to Bago’s self-coronation as campaign DG, insiders suggest his ambition reflects the quiet jostling already underway within the ruling party.
For now, Niger State’s governor is sending one unmistakable message: 2027 is no longer a distant horizon, it is already here.
