Minister suspends aide over alleged 2027 governorship bid

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has suspended one of his aides, Saidu Enagi, over a Facebook post suggesting that the minister plans to contest the Niger State governorship in 2027. The post, titled “Malagi 2027,” speculated that Idris would challenge the incumbent governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, in the All Progressives Congress […]

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has suspended one of his aides, Saidu Enagi, over a Facebook post suggesting that the minister plans to contest the Niger State governorship in 2027.

The post, titled “Malagi 2027,” speculated that Idris would challenge the incumbent governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries. The minister has denied harbouring any such ambition, either within the party or in the general election.

In a statement on Wednesday, the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, said the write-up was published without the minister’s knowledge or approval and has been formally disclaimed.

He stressed that Idris remains fully focused on his duties as Information Minister and has no interest in political distractions.

The statement also emphasised that the minister enjoys a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship with Governor Bago, noting that speculation about a 2027 contest could undermine ongoing efforts to promote development in Niger State.