ABUJA, FCT – In a rare cross-party endorsement that has sent ripples through the political landscape, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has publicly validated the economic stance of Labour Party leader Peter Obi.
Speaking at a high-level summit in Abuja, Governor Bago addressed the former presidential candidate as his “boss,” stating that while some may disagree with his politics, Obi’s message on Nigeria’s productivity is undeniable.
The ‘Gospel Truth’ on Production
Governor Bago’s remarks centered on Nigeria’s current economic struggles and the controversial acceptance of food aid from war-torn nations.
“People may not like you, Mr. Peter Obi—but they must hear you, because all you say is the gospel truth,” Bago declared. “Nigeria needs to be productive. You cannot be out of poverty unless you start to produce.”
The Governor was echoing Obi’s recent criticism of Nigeria receiving 25,000 tonnes of wheat as a donation from Ukraine. Bago described the situation as a “national disgrace,” adding that it is a “shame for people like Ukraine, who are currently in a war, to be giving us food.”
A Shift from Palliatives
The APC Governor further distanced himself from the traditional “hand-out” culture prevalent in Nigerian politics. He asserted that he is not an advocate of palliatives, which he views as temporary fixes for deep-seated systemic issues.
“We must move from consumption to production,” Bago stated, aligning himself with the core campaign mantra of the Labour Party candidate. He emphasized that Niger State is already taking steps toward massive agricultural investment to ensure food security and reduce the state’s reliance on federal or foreign aid.
Political Reactions
The public praise from a sitting APC Governor toward a major opposition figure has drawn mixed reactions. While supporters of the “Obidient” movement have hailed Bago’s honesty, some loyalists within the ruling party have expressed concern over the optics of such an endorsement.
Photos circulating shortly after the event showed Governor Bago in a traditional show of respect before President Bola Tinubu, leading to intense speculation among political analysts about the internal dynamics of the APC following the Governor’s candid remarks.
