Farmers in Niger State, under the aegis of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), have thrown their weight behind Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and Honourable Sa'idu Musa Abdullahi, the member representing the Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency, for re-election in the 2027 general elections. To formalize their support, the farmers procured the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination forms for both the governor and the lawmaker, describing the gesture as a token of gratitude for their significant contributions to agricultural development in the state.
Endorsement Ceremony in Abuja
Presenting the nomination form to the lawmaker in Abuja, the farmers explained that they purchased the forms to demonstrate their appreciation for the immense attention and contributions to agriculture by both the governor and the lawmaker. They commended Honourable Abdullahi for his interventions in the sector, which include support for irrigation projects in Badegi and expansion efforts in Begi, as well as initiatives aimed at empowering women in agriculture through training programs at IITTA.
“We are proud today. The farmers in Niger State have decided to purchase these forms for a second term because of the good work being done. We want continuity, and we believe he has more to offer,” the group stated.
Farmers Cite Track Record
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Muhammed Saba Usman, the Deputy National Financial Secretary of the Poultry Association of Nigeria and Vice Chairman of AFAN in Niger State, said the decision was based on performance and impact in the agricultural sector. “For us, we are looking at track records. We have seen transformation in agricultural activities in Niger State driven by the farmer governor, ably supported by Hon. Sa'idu Musa Abdullahi,” he said.
He listed the provision of farm inputs, mechanization through tractors, and improved access to markets as some of the gains recorded, adding that these interventions had boosted productivity and created employment opportunities. He also noted improvements in rural infrastructure, saying better road networks had enhanced the movement of farm produce and linked farmers to wider markets. “Access to markets has become easier, and even internationally, farmers are now better connected. Productivity has improved significantly,” he added.
Widespread Support for Agricultural Policies
A former AFAN secretary and representative of the All Green Agro-Field Farmers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria said the endorsement reflected widespread support for the state government’s agricultural policies. According to him, Niger State had witnessed unprecedented investment in agriculture and rural development structures since its creation. He cited the establishment of agencies such as the Rural Access Roads Agency (RARA) as evidence of the government’s focus on rural transformation. “We are giving kudos to SMA. With his support and that of the farmer governor, our farmers have benefited immensely,” he said.
Similarly, Hassana Mohammed, the Director General of the Micro Credit Agricultural Cooperative Agency, said the initiative had also prioritized women’s participation in agriculture. She said the agency had supported increased involvement of women in farming, describing the governor’s interventions as “significant and impactful.”
On his part, the national president of the All Green Farmers and Vice Chairman of AFAN Niger State, Dr. Nura Hashim, said the endorsement represented appreciation from farmers across the state for consistent support to the sector. He added that the gesture also reflected alignment with national agricultural and political development efforts.
Lawmaker Expresses Gratitude
Responding, Honourable Abdullahi expressed appreciation to the farmers for the endorsement, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in his representation. He pledged continued support for agricultural development in Niger State in collaboration with Governor Bago. He added that ongoing engagements with key federal stakeholders were aimed at ensuring that government reforms translate into tangible benefits for rural communities. “We are working with stakeholders to ensure that the outcomes of reforms reach the grassroots and improve livelihoods,” he said.
