2027: Former FCDA Director Declares Interest for Gov’ship in Niger State

By YM Bina

Idris Usman-Makanta, a former Director of the Federal Capital Territory Development Authority (FCDA), has declared his intention to contest for the governorship seat in Niger State under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Addressing supporters in Bida, Usman-Makanta said his aspiration was in response to calls from stakeholders who saw the need for a change in the style of governance in Niger State.

He pledged that, if elected governor, his administration would prioritise education, agriculture, human capital development, security, and workers’ welfare.

Usman-Makanta, who was a governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general elections, said his ambition is driven by the desire to correct the shortcomings of the current administration in the state.

He also pledged to uphold democratic values, citizens’ rights, and human dignity.

“I’m here to formally inform my people that I have accepted the call to contest the 2027 governorship election under the ADC.

“I am not going into the governorship race on my own. I was called upon to come and serve based on my verifiable contributions to the development of my community”, he said.

While acknowledging the efforts of the incumbent governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, Usman-Makanta said more needed to be done to move the state to the desired level of development.

He underscored the need to address insecurity and water scarcity in the state.

According to him, insecurity  has become a national problem, due to high rate of poverty among young people, and called for equitable distribution of wealth and resources.