A political advocacy group, Niger Progressives & Prosperity Promoters (NPPP), has publicly called on the minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, to contest the 2027 governorship election in Niger State.
In a statement by its convener, Dr Ibrahim K. Mohammed, the group criticised the administration of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, accusing it of prioritising foreign travels and high-profile agreements over tangible development outcomes.
The group alleged that despite Niger State’s vast natural and human resources, residents continue to grapple with poor water supply, unemployment, insecurity, weak agricultural support and deteriorating infrastructure.
According to the statement, frequent international trips and the signing of memoranda of understanding have failed to translate into improved living conditions for citizens.
“Agreements without impact are not achievements. Frequent flights without measurable outcomes are not leadership,” the group said, describing the current situation as a disconnect between governance optics and lived realities.
NPPP presented Idris, a former governorship aspirant in 2023 and a media entrepreneur, as a credible alternative, citing his experience at the federal level, calm leadership style and capacity for policy execution.
The group said idris’s tenure in national service has shown him to be strategic, results-oriented and capable of managing complex systems without what it described as political theatrics or corruption.
It added that Niger State could no longer afford what it termed “experimental governance”, warning that further delay in changing leadership direction could deepen insecurity and economic decline.
“This is no longer a suggestion. It is a call to duty,” the statement said, urging Malagi to heed the appeal of youths, farmers, pensioners and professionals across the state.
The group stressed that its call was not driven by party affiliation, but by competence and capacity, arguing that political parties are merely vehicles while leadership determines outcomes.
NPPP called on stakeholders across Niger State to rally behind what it described as calm, decisive and development-focused leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
As of the time of filing this report, Idris has not publicly responded to the call.
