Crossword Genius

Leader of Opposition leaves district over in African state (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

niger

'african state' is the definition.
(country in Africa)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for niger that I've seen before include "22 across (anag) -- northwest African river" , "The black" , "West African river and country" , "African country dominated by the Sahara, until 1969 a French colony" , "Country W. of Chad" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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