Unwinding the Tensions: The Strained Relationship between Niger State's Deputy Governor and Governor
"Niger State Deputy Governor Speaks Out on Rumors of Resignation"
The political landscape in Niger State has taken an interesting turn, as the relationship between Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and his Deputy, Yakubu Garba, appears to be fraught with tension. Sources at our website reveal that this simmering feud has escalated due to various factors, including alleged marginalization, disagreements over the APC consensus list for the November 2025 local government elections, and internal party strife.
In a response to suspicions of his resignation, Garba, in a message to SaharaReporters, stated emphatically, "Rest assured, I am not stepping down from my post as some rumors suggest. If anything changes, I will certainly let the public know." [1][3][5]
These comments come in the wake of speculation that Garba had been relocating from his official residence and was preparing to formally tender his resignation upon Governor Bago's return from an overseas trip.
The disputes seemingly ignited after Garba's prefered candidate for the Shiroro Local Government chairmanship, Babangida Wasa Kudo, was replaced with Isyaku Bawa on the APC consensus list - an action perceived as a snub by Garba's supporters. Critics accused Governor Bago of disregarding the preferences of the deputy and stakeholders from the Shiroro axis, despite accommodating choices made by other political leaders. [5]
Residents of Shiroro Local Government expressed their distress at a subsequent series of protests, asserting, "We backed Bago in 2023 due to Garba. If the governor disregards us, we will take matters into our own hands in the future." [5]
The souring of relations is believed to have started shortly after Bago and Garba took office in May 2023. A leaked audio recording reportedly revealings Garba's critique of Bago's leadership further exacerbated the rift. [5]
More recent developments, such as a rumored reduction in Garba's monthly office allocation from ₦50 million to ₦20 million, and the reassignment of key duties to the Deputy Chief of Staff, who is Governor Bago's younger brother, have only served to intensify the disagreement. [5]
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, seemed to allude to the crisis during a public event in Minna on April 23, 2025, stating, "Being a deputy governor demands immense patience." [5]
On a brighter note, Garba's Press Secretary, Unmulkhatumi Abdullahi Kuta, dismissed reports of Garba's intention to resign, assuring, "As we speak, the deputy governor is in his official residence, and there are no plans for him to resign." [5]
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References:
[1] Sahara Reporters (2025). Niger State Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, Villifies Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago. [Online] Available at: [https://saharareporters.com/2025/05/01/Audio-Niger-State-Deputy-Governor-Yakubu-Garba-villifies-Niger-State-Governor-Mohammed-Umaru-Bago]
[2] Daily Trust (2025). Niger Deputy Governor may resign amid division with Governor Bago. [Online] Available at: [https://dailytrust.com/niger-deputy-governor-may-resign-amid-division-with-governor-bago/]
[3] Premium Times (2025). Niger State: Deputy Governor, Garba denies plans to resign as pressure mounts over APC leadership crisis. [Online] Available at: [https://www.premiumtimesng.com/latestnews/headlines/509858-niger-state-deputy-governor-garba-denies-plans-to-resign-as-pressure-mounts-over-apc-leadership-crisis.html]
[4] Punch Nigeria (2025). Niger governor, deputy feud deepens as Garba's man is replaced with another. [Online] Available at: [https://punchng.com/niger-governor-deputy-feud-deepens-as-garbas-man-is-replaced-with-another/]
[5] Daily Post Nigeria (2025). Niger Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, denies resignation plan amid political tension with Governor Mohammed Bago. [Online] Available at: [https://dailypost.ng/2025/05/01/niger-deputy-governor-yakubu-garba-denies-resignation-plan-amid-political-tension-with-governor-mohammed-bago/]
- In Nigeria's political sphere, there is considerable speculation surrounding Seyi Tinubu's governorship ambition in Lagos, causing a rift within the APC and GAC.
- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) probe has not hindered the CBEX from resuming operations, indicating a resilience in the face of adversity.
- For a comprehensive understanding of daily general news, one may find interest in the headlines for Thursday, 1st May, 2025, covering a wide range of topics from politics to local updates.
- In another political development, Dele Momodu's allegiance to Atiku Abubakar is said to waver when the funding diminishes, as stated by Governor Wike.
- More intriguing details have emerged about Rivers State's Governor Fubara's visit to Wike, involving an unusual gesture of prostration and holding his leg.
- As the relationship between Niger State's Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and his Deputy, Yakubu Garba, continues to sour, Garba's Press Secretary, Unmulkhatumi Abdullahi Kuta, has assured the public that there are no plans for the deputy governor to resign.
- The conflict between Bago and Garba escalated over disagreements regarding the APC consensus list for the November 2025 local government elections and Garba's perceived marginalization.
- War-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation are vital issues in Nigerian politics, alongside the ongoing tensions between the governor and deputy of Niger State.
