By Yunusa Umar
With just weeks to the November 1, 2025, local government elections in Niger State, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed Malagi, has urged voters across the Niger South Senatorial District to throw their full support behind candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Idris, who also serves as the Chairman of the APC Campaign Council for Zone A, made the call on Saturday during an interactive session and campaign council inauguration held at the Bologi Event Centre in Bida.
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The event, which drew APC leaders, stakeholders, and supporters from eight local government areas, Bida, Agaie, Lapai, Lavun, Mokwa, Gbako, Edati, and Katcha, focused on mobilising grassroots support and strengthening party unity ahead of the polls.
According to the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), at least 10 political parties and 71 chairmanship candidates will contest in the forthcoming elections across the state’s 25 local government areas.
₦130 Million Boost for APC Candidates
In a major show of commitment, Idris announced a ₦100 million donation to support APC chairmanship candidates within the senatorial district.
“The governor himself will do more for the campaign team, but on my part, I’m donating ₦100 million,” the minister declared. “Each local government will receive ₦10 million, while another ₦20 million will go to support youths, women, and the elderly.”
The minister’s gesture was met with applause from party members, who described it as a timely boost for campaign logistics.
Tinubu’s Reforms Beginning to Yield Results
Idris reaffirmed his confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, assuring citizens that the government’s policies are already producing positive results across key sectors.
“We understand that Nigerians have faced hardship over the past two years, but President Tinubu has assured that relief is coming in the remaining years of his tenure,” he said.
“Today, no state government is owing salaries due to the administration’s fiscal discipline, and contractors are already back on-site rebuilding the collapsed Mokwa Bridge.”
He further highlighted that Tinubu’s reforms are working and that the economy is gradually stabilizing.
“I urge Nigerians to remain patient and continue to believe in his vision for a better and stronger nation,” Idris added.
The minister urged voters to remain steadfast in their support for the APC, noting that the Tinubu-led government is determined to create lasting economic stability and development nationwide.
He also emphasized the importance of peace and tolerance during the elections, warning against actions that could lead to violence or division.
“We must see ourselves as brothers and sisters. Elections should not divide us,” he said. “I assure you that security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure peace and protect lives and property across Niger State and the country at large.”
Idris further called for prayers for Niger North communities including Kontagora, Magama, and Rafi, that continue to battle insecurity, assuring that the Federal Government remains committed to restoring peace in the affected areas.
Governor’s Chief of Staff Adds ₦40 Million Support
In a related development, the Chief of Staff to the Niger State Governor, Abdullahi Usman Gbatanmangi, who represented Governor Umar Bago at the event, announced a ₦5 million donation to each APC chairmanship aspirant, bringing additional support of ₦40 million to the campaign efforts.
Gbatanmangi commended Idris for his leadership and generosity, describing the minister’s support as a reflection of the party’s unity and shared vision for Niger State’s progress.
The event ended with renewed enthusiasm among party members, who pledged to deliver an overwhelming victory for the APC in the forthcoming local government elections.
