Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has revealed that farmers across the state collectively contributed more than ₦150 million in support of his re-election bid under the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the gesture as a strong endorsement of his administration.
Speaking after submitting his APC nomination form, Bago said the party’s nomination process reflects fairness, transparency and internal democracy, stressing that all aspirants are subjected to the same screening and verification procedures, regardless of status.
“Democracy is in action,” the governor stated, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting discipline and transparency within the party’s electoral process.
Bago, however, described the financial support from grassroots farmers as the most emotional aspect of his political journey. According to him, the contributions were made in small amounts, with some farmers donating ₦1,000 and others ₦2,000, eventually exceeding ₦150 million.
The governor disclosed that about ₦50 million from the donations was used to purchase his APC nomination form, while more than ₦100 million remains available through continued contributions.
“It is humbling,” Bago said, noting that many of the farmers supporting his campaign previously faced financial hardship but are now able to contribute to political causes due to improved agricultural policies and government intervention programmes.
He described the fundraising effort as more than campaign financing, saying it reflects grassroots approval of his administration’s agricultural reforms and rural development initiatives.
Bago also highlighted recent federal support for agriculture in the state, including the visit of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, who launched the distribution of farming equipment and agricultural inputs for the 2026 farming season in Minna.
The governor further referenced collaborations with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) aimed at strengthening early warning systems, disaster preparedness and agricultural planning.
On the APC primary process in Niger State, Bago said the party is working towards building consensus among aspirants but remains prepared to conduct direct primaries if necessary.
“We are trying to build consensus across the board, then we will go for direct primaries if necessary,” he said.
The governor maintained that the growing support from rural communities reflects increasing citizen participation in politics, adding that farmers are no longer mere beneficiaries of government policies but active stakeholders in shaping political outcomes.
