“Mamman Nami Is Bigger Than the Senate Seat He Contested” — Umar Shehu Audu

Nami’s emergence as PDP governorship candidate adds new dimension to Niger State’s 2027 political contest

Political commentator Umar Shehu Audu has described former Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Mamman Nami, as a political figure whose influence and previous record extend beyond the Senate seat he contested under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Audu made the assessment while analysing the political implications of Nami’s emergence as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Niger State ahead of the 2027 election.

According to him, Nami’s previous achievements as FIRS chairman demonstrated a level of influence that, in his view, would have required a significant leadership position in the Senate to replicate.

Audu said such positions, including principal offices or influential committee chairmanships, are generally associated with ranking senators. He added that the political capital, networks and institutional influence required to make a comparable impact would be considerable.

He also singled out Senator Sani Musa (313) as an example of a politician he considers to possess substantial political influence within the Senate.

Nami had earlier declined calls from some supporters to contest for governor, reportedly citing advice from traditional rulers and elders. His subsequent emergence as the PDP governorship candidate followed his unsuccessful bid for the APC Senate ticket in a primary that generated controversy.

Audu said Nami’s emergence has changed the dynamics of the 2027 governorship contest, arguing that the race can no longer be viewed as a one-sided contest.

He described the emerging contest as a three-horse race involving Malam Idris Makanta, Kpautagi and Nami, while pointing to what he described as growing political interest in the opposition.

The commentator further argued that divisions within the APC could affect the party’s prospects ahead of the election. He identified three political blocs associated with Lolo, 313 and Bago, describing the reported fragmentation as a challenge for the ruling party.

Audu also referred to reports that 10 serving members of the Niger State House of Assembly may defect to the PDP alongside Nami. 

He further urged political actors and their supporters to view the developments within the broader context of Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system, where shifts in political alliances and party membership can influence electoral contests.

The developments come ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties expected to continue realigning, mobilising supporters and positioning their candidates across Niger State.