By Mahmoud
Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has revealed how he raised $100 million to fund his campaign for the governorship seat, describing it as part of the sacrifices and networking that shaped his political career.
In a viral video making the rounds, Governor Bago said he was the only member of the House of Representatives at the time who travelled across the country to campaign for his predecessor, former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, popularly known as Lolo.
He explained that after the 2015 campaign, Bello supported his ambition to contest for Speaker of the House of Representatives. Although he did not win, he said the experience opened new political doors for him.
Bago recalled that he was first assigned to head the Committee on Maritime, a relatively low-profile committee. He said he took the assignment seriously despite its status before he was later redeployed by the Speaker to the Committee on Integration.
5. According to him, it was while serving on the Integration Committee that he met several African Presidents and top government officials. Those interactions, he noted, broadened his exposure and expanded his political network.
Reflecting on that period, the Governor said the relationships and experience he built eventually positioned him for higher responsibilities. He disclosed that instead of the $10 million he initially targeted, he was able to mobilize $100 million for his governorship campaign.
Governor Bago added that the funds were raised through strategic networking, goodwill, and support from associates he met during his time in the National Assembly. He stressed that politics demands planning, resources, and persistence.
He concluded that the same journey which started with campaigning for others has now led him to the Government House in Minna. He urged young politicians to remain diligent and to treat every assignment, no matter how small, as a stepping stone to greater service.
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