With barely 13 months to the 2027 general election, Niger State’s political scene is undergoing a significant transformation.
A wave of high-profile defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is dramatically altering the political landscape, not just in Niger State, but across Nigeria.
The movement of politicians, especially from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, has added numerical strength to the ruling party.
However, this shift has also set the stage for fierce leadership battles and intense competition for party tickets in the forthcoming general election.
In Gurara Suleja and Tafa Federal Constituency of Niger State, the situation is particularly noteworthy. Despite the influx of defectors to the APC, the electorate has clearly indicated their preference for APC Chieftain Hon. Haruna Abubakar Arafat Magaji (popularly known as Jagaban of Grassroots Politics) as their representative in the 2027 general election.
This endorsement is seen by politics observers as a significant hurdle for other aspirants, including the sitting House of Rep. Member, Rt. Hon. Adamu Tanko Lokoja, who recently defected to the APC from the PDP.
Hon. Arafat’s backing by the electorate presents an “iron gate” that Lokoja and other aspirants must pass through to emerge victorious.
Given Arafat’s popularity, crossing this gate is seen as a “mission impossible” for Lokoja, who has been noticeably subdued in public appearances while seeking stakeholder support outside.
As the 2027 general election approaches, Hon. Arafat remains the only candidate the people of Gurara Suleja and Tafa Federal Constituency are ready to trust with their mandate.
The stage is set for a highly contested election, with alliances and defections playing a crucial role.