Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has revealed that his bid for re-election in 2027 is affecting his ability to take decisive actions against underperforming aides. The governor made this disclosure on Friday during the inauguration of newly appointed commissioners and elected chairmen and vice-chairmen of local government areas across the state.
According to Governor Bago, fear of political consequences has restrained him from dismissing officials who have failed to meet performance expectations. He lamented that political considerations often override efficiency and effectiveness in governance. “I am an advocate of a single term of governance. Everything in Nigeria is now being tied to politics. There are things I would have done today, but I am deferring them until after the election,” the governor said.
Bago stressed that some officials had repeatedly failed examinations or demonstrated poor performance, yet remained in their positions, creating a burden on the system. He argued that if elective and political office holders were limited to a single term, it would encourage greater dedication and prevent complacency among appointees. “If I had a single term, I would have been more decisive. Special advisers, board directors, and others would have given their best because they would have just one shot in governance,” he said.
The governor emphasized that procrastination is a major challenge facing governance in Nigeria. “Everybody is thinking about tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow. Our tomorrow is today,” he remarked. He believes that the fear of political backlash often forces leaders to delay decisions, especially when unpopular but necessary actions, such as dismissals or policy reforms, are required.
Bago’s call for a single term for elective and political office holders aligns with a growing debate in Nigeria on political reforms aimed at promoting efficiency, accountability, and results-oriented leadership. Advocates argue that single-term governance reduces the influence of political calculations over policy implementation and allows leaders to focus on long-term development projects rather than immediate political gains.
The governor noted that this approach could ensure that officials perform their duties effectively, knowing they have a limited window to make meaningful contributions. He stressed that with a single term, leaders and appointees would prioritize competence, accountability, and delivery of public services.
The disclosure by Governor Bago came during the official inauguration of newly appointed commissioners in Niger State and elected chairmen and vice-chairmen of local government areas. The ceremony marked a key step in consolidating the state government’s administrative structure ahead of ongoing developmental projects and future elections.
The newly inaugurated officials are expected to drive the state’s agenda on governance, development, and service delivery. Bago’s remarks on political hesitations highlight the delicate balance leaders must maintain between pursuing effective governance and navigating electoral considerations.
Beyond the issue of political calculations, Governor Bago also spoke about security in Niger State. He expressed support for state and community policing, emphasizing that decentralized policing could enhance social justice and safety. “State police is a reality. We need community policing to ensure social justice and safety in our society,” he said.
The governor’s support for community policing reflects a broader national conversation about improving security through localized enforcement and engagement with communities. Many experts argue that state and community policing can complement federal law enforcement agencies, addressing security challenges such as banditry, kidnappings, and communal conflicts more effectively.
Niger State, like many other states in Nigeria, faces several governance and developmental challenges, including infrastructure deficits, insecurity, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Political appointees and local government officials play a critical role in implementing policies and delivering services to citizens. However, inefficiency and procrastination among some officials have historically slowed progress.
Governor Bago’s remarks shed light on the difficulties leaders face in balancing political ambitions with the need for effective governance. His advocacy for a single term system reflects an attempt to address systemic weaknesses in Nigeria’s political structure, where re-election considerations often influence policy decisions.
By openly acknowledging that his re-election bid influences administrative decisions, Governor Bago has sparked conversations about the broader implications of political considerations on governance. Critics argue that such fears can lead to compromised service delivery, delayed projects, and reduced accountability. Supporters, however, may view his transparency as a step toward honest governance, highlighting the realities faced by elected officials in a politically charged environment.
The governor’s statements also resonate with ongoing debates about reforms in Nigeria’s political system, including proposals for term limits, anti-procrastination measures, and improved accountability frameworks for political appointees. Analysts suggest that addressing these issues could lead to more effective governance, reduce corruption, and strengthen public trust in political institutions.
Governor Bago’s call for single-term governance and decentralized policing offers potential solutions to some of the structural challenges in Nigeria’s political and administrative systems. Limiting elected officials to a single term could encourage results-driven leadership, while community-based policing could enhance security and public confidence in law enforcement.
As Niger State prepares for the 2027 elections, the governor’s remarks highlight the intersection of political ambitions and governance priorities. Observers will be watching closely to see whether these proposals translate into practical reforms that improve efficiency, accountability, and public service delivery.
