Governor Bago Declares: “North Awaits Power Shift After Tinubu’s 8 Years”

According to Ireporter Online, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has stated that political power will shift back to the North after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu completes his second term in office. He advised Northerners aspiring to become Nigeria’s president to wait until 2031, stressing that the principle of rotation between North and South must be respected.

Speaking during an interview on TVC, Governor Bago assured President Tinubu of the unwavering loyalty of Niger State, insisting that there are no dissenting voices in the state. He maintained that the arrangement of eight years for the North and eight years for the South is the foundation of Nigeria’s political stability. “When he (the President) finishes his eight years, power will come to the North, and northerners who want to contest can then contest,” Bago said.

He criticised those demanding an early return of power to the North, describing such calls as unfair to the current administration. He added that the people of Niger State remain committed to supporting President Tinubu to complete his mandate.

Meanwhile, Governor Bago also responded to criticisms over his administration’s financial policies, particularly concerns about loans. Addressing stakeholders from Tafa, Gurara, and Suleja local government areas on August 11, 2025, he dismissed the debate surrounding his borrowing plans, insisting it was not the public’s business. He declared in Hausa that even if he had to “sell the state” to fund development projects, it should not be a matter of public concern.

The governor assured residents that his government would leave Niger State debt-free by the end of his tenure, promising to provide a clear account of what he inherited and what he would hand over after eight years. He also questioned why citizens were anxious about loans when, according to him, previous administrations had collected loans without accountability.

On infrastructure concerns, Bago defended his administration, saying current challenges with schools, hospitals, and roads were inherited. He condemned claims that his government was responsible for further deterioration, arguing that his administration was focused on repairing existing damage.