‘New Deal’ for Voters
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Niger State, Dr Mohammed Kpautagi, has unveiled former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Development, Manma Musa, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
Musa’s unveiling took place on Tuesday at the IBB Pen House in Minna, where the ADC ticket used the occasion to present what it described as a fresh political alternative to voters in the state.
Kpautagi, while introducing his running mate, lamented the worsening economic and social conditions confronting residents, saying years of waiting for meaningful change had left many families struggling with rising food prices, unemployment, poor healthcare, insecurity and deteriorating infrastructure.
He said market women were battling high prices, graduates were roaming the streets in search of jobs, hospitals were short of essential drugs and farmers were increasingly afraid to access their farms.
“This must change, and it will change,” Kpautagi declared.
The ADC candidate unveiled a series of commitments to voters, with security, jobs, healthcare, education, infrastructure and social welfare forming the centrepiece of his proposed agenda.
On security, he promised to work with security agencies and vigilantes to protect communities across the state, from Minna to the most remote villages.
He also pledged to support traders, farmers and young people, revive industries and create an environment where small businesses could survive and expand.
Kpautagi promised that every local government area would have a functional healthcare centre, while schools would be equipped with adequate teachers, learning materials and a conducive environment for learning.
On infrastructure, he said his administration would prioritise basic necessities such as roads, water and electricity rather than expensive projects that, in his view, did not directly address the needs of ordinary residents.
He also pledged timely payment of pension and retirement benefits to retirees.
“I am not coming with magic. I am coming with hard work, transparency and fear of God. With my deputy, we are team players,” Kpautagi said.
He appealed to political opponents to treat the 2027 contest as a competition over who could serve the people better rather than a personal battle.
“To my people, 2027 is not about party; it is about your future and your children’s future,” he said.
‘This nomination is about us’
Accepting his nomination, Musa pledged loyalty to Kpautagi and promised to work as a supportive deputy rather than compete for political prominence with the governorship candidate.
He described himself as a team player with experience in coordination and organisation, adding that he was bringing patience, loyalty and ideas that could contribute to the development of Niger State.
“I accepted this nomination with the fear of God and love for the people of the state,” Musa said.
He argued that effective governance required teamwork and promised that an ADC administration would restore full functionality to ministries and government agencies if the party defeated the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
“This nomination is not about me, it is about us. It is about the market women, the youths seeking jobs, the local woman, the teacher and every family to feel the dividends of democracy,” he said.
Musa brings executive experience to the ADC ticket, having served as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Development and Commissioner for Planning Commission under the administration of former Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello.
With the unveiling, the ADC has formally begun positioning its governorship ticket around a message of political change, economic recovery and improved public services ahead of the 2027 election.