By Mohammed Baba Busu
The All Progressives Party (APC) Senatorial Aspirant for Niger South in the 2027 general elections, Alhaji Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, has solicited for the blessings of traditional rulers in the zone to realise his ambition.
He made the appeal in continuation of his consultations with the traditional institution and critical stakeholders across the three Emirates that made up the district.
Ndarani, who also holds the traditional title of Hukunchi Nupe and Hausaland, over the weekend paid courtesy visits to the palaces of the Emir of Agaie and the Emir of Lapai, where he formally informed them of his decision to contest for the Niger South Senatorial seat.
During the consultations, the learned silk also met with District Heads in Agaie, Lapai and Bida, where he outlined his vision for the zone and sought their prayers, guidance and support.
The Emir of Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu, expressed delight over the calibre of personalities supporting the movement, particularly the presence of former Niger State Commissioner for Information, Mr Jonathan Vatsa.
The royal father said the coming together of experienced and respected stakeholders was a positive sign for the aspiration.
“Alhamdulillahi! I am very happy because you have searched very well and that is what I have always advised.
“I have told you politicians to always talk to each other. Politics is not about fighting; it is about getting the right people to do what we want,” he said.
The Emir commended the consultative approach adopted by the aspirant, describing it as a demonstration of humility and respect for traditional institutions.
“I know the Chiroma of Lapai; but I know him better now. He always does the right thing. May Allah bless you.
“Actually, we are happy you accepted the call to serve because we know the good works you have been doing.
“We receive reports of almost everything you do and we know you as someone passionate about development. We pray Allah blesses this movement and grants you victory so that our dreams can become a reality,” he added.
Similarly, the Emir of Lapai, Alhaji Umar Bago Tafida 111, who was represented by the Nakordi of Lapai and District Head of Tashilo, Alhaji Suleiman Madami, assured the delegation of the palace’s goodwill and prayers.
According to him, electing competent individuals who understand legislative processes and constitutional matters was critical for effective representation.
“Whichever support we are going to give him to get to the Senate, may Allah guide us in that direction. Every benefit that comes from it is for all of us.
“Among Nupe lawyers, we are always happy seeing people like Ndarani in positions such as the Senate because legislative discussions require deep understanding of the constitution.
“Some people go to the Senate only to sleep because they do not understand the constitution. But he is someone who understands both the constitution and the needs of the poor,” he said.
In Bida, Alhaji Gimba Ishaku, the Makun Nupe, who also serves as the Chairman of Bida Emirate District Heads, alongside the District Head of Katayeregi, offered prayers for the success of the aspirant, describing him as a worthy son of the Nupe kingdom.
They noted that Ndarani had consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and progress of the people even before seeking elective office.
The Bida Emirate District Heads explained that Ndarani’s humility, accessibility and respect for traditional institutions had endeared him to many communities across the zone.
According to them, the Nupe kingdom will benefit greatly from having someone with his experience, integrity and legal expertise representing the people at the National Assembly.
They however urged Ndarani to remain focused and committed to the ideals of justice, fairness and development, adding that traditional institutions will continue to offer prayers and wise counsel throughout his political journey.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Director General of Ndarani SAN Senatorial Organisation (NDASSO), Alhaji Mohammed Dagachi Etsuagaie, said the delegation was in the palace to seek the blessings and guidance of the traditional rulers.
Etsuagaie explained that the aspiration was a collective decision by stakeholders across the Nupe kingdom who believed that Ndarani possessed the capacity and integrity to represent the people effectively.
“Between us and Allah, he did not initially say he wanted to contest. It was people from across the Nupe kingdom who approached him and urged him to represent us in the Senate and protect the integrity of the Nupe people.
“At first he declined, but after several appeals and consultations, he accepted the challenge and agreed to answer the call of the people. That is why we are here today to inform you that he has accepted to contest the Niger South Senatorial seat in the 2027 elections,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Jonathan Vatsa, a former Niger State Commissioner for Information, highlighted Ndarani’s commitment to defending the interests of the region.
He recalled Ndarani’s strong intervention on issues concerning the Baro Port project, noting that the aspirant stood firmly in defence of the port when doubts were raised about its viability.
“Your Royal Highness, Baro is the only port we have in the North. It is not only for Niger State; it is an asset for the entire region,” he said.
Vatsa also narrated how Ndarani supported relief efforts during the devastating flood in Mokwa, explaining that the aspirant contributed to interventions aimed at assisting victims of the disaster.
Also speaking, a former Commissioner of Health in Niger, Dr Isah Yahaya-Vatsa, described Ndarani as a passionate advocate for the development of Nupe kingdom and the state at large.
He said the aspirant had already begun advocating for policies that would benefit the state even before becoming a senator.
According to him, Ndarani had written to the National Assembly advocating for 13 per cent derivation for states hosting hydroelectric dams, noting that Niger state deserved such benefits because it hosts major power-generating dams that supply electricity across Nigeria and beyond.
“Even before becoming a senator, he has already started pushing for policies that will benefit Niger State.
“If he gets to the Senate, he will ensure that such proposals receive the necessary legislative attention,” he said.
On his part, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria who is also the aspirant said his decision to join the senate race was driven by a genuine desire to serve the people and attract meaningful development to the region.
Ndarani SAN explained that his aspiration was not motivated by personal gain but by the need to ensure that the people of the zone benefit from democratic governance.
“My decision to run for the Senate is not about personal gains or my pocket.
“It is about service and the desire to bring the much-needed dividends of democracy to our people,” the legal ICON said.
The learned silk assured the traditional rulers that if given the opportunity to serve, he would focus on legislative initiatives that would promote economic development, youth empowerment and infrastructural growth across the district.
He also pledged to work closely with traditional institutions, community leaders and stakeholders to address the challenges facing the region.
The aspirant thanked the traditional rulers for the warm reception and prayers, assuring them that their guidance and support will remain invaluable in his quest to serve the people.
He prayed for peace, unity and continued progress for the Nupe kingdom and Nigeria as a whole.