NSIEC Board Crisis: PDP Rejects Alleged APC Members, Calls For Immediate Reversal

Tensions flared in Niger State on Wednesday as protests erupted over the nomination of a new chairman and commissioners for the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vehemently opposed the appointments, claiming that the nominees are active members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Mohammed Bago’s Special Adviser on Digital Media and Strategy, Abdullbarqy Ebbo, announced the nominations through an official bulletin, stating that they remain subject to confirmation by the state House of Assembly.

Once confirmed, the appointees will oversee the 2027 local government elections in Niger State.

Controversial Appointments Trigger Backlash

The list of nominees includes:

• Engr Mohammed Jibrin Imam – Chairman
• Barr M.A Liman – Permanent Commissioner 1
• Nasiru Ubandiya – Permanent Commissioner 2
• Yahaya Idris Abara – Permanent Commissioner 3
• Capt Mohammed Baro – Permanent Commissioner 4
• Kabiru Tanko Zama – Permanent Commissioner 5
• Barr Amina Guar – Permanent Commissioner 6
• Barr Ahmed Borgu – Permanent Commissioner 7

The PDP, through its State Vice Chairman and Zonal Chairman for Niger North Zone ‘C,’ Yahaya Ability, firmly rejected the nominations, calling them a deliberate attempt to manipulate the electoral process in favor of the APC.

PDP Challenges Governor Bago’s Motive

Speaking at a press conference, Ability criticized the decision, questioning how a former APC state chairman and known loyalist of the ruling party could be appointed to head an independent electoral commission.