My relationship with my deputy perfect — Niger Gov

Niger State governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has denied any issues with his deputy, Yakubu Garba, describing their relationship as perfect and harmonious. The governor made this statement while speaking with journalists after receiving the Workers’ Hero Award from organised labour during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Minna. “It’s just a rumour, and let’s not […]

Niger State governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has denied any issues with his deputy, Yakubu Garba, describing their relationship as perfect and harmonious.

The governor made this statement while speaking with journalists after receiving the Workers’ Hero Award from organised labour during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Minna.

“It’s just a rumour, and let’s not focus on rumours. Our relationship is very perfect, very harmonious. We are a team, and nothing can break us. Our focus is on the goal, and we will achieve it. A new Niger is possible,” he said.

Bago was accompanied at the event by Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, who represents Niger East Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

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He explained that Garba’s absence from the event was due to other important national matters that required his attention.

However, Daily Trust had reported that the relationship between the governor and his deputy took a new turn on Monday, amid rumours that Garba was considering resignation.

Although no official confirmation has emerged, Garba’s relocation from his official residence opposite the Justice Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre has heightened speculation about a serious crisis.

Sources close to the matter revealed to Daily Trust that tensions began shortly after they assumed office in May 2023. Some insiders have linked the rift to an alleged recording of a private conversation between Garba and certain government officials, in which he criticised his principal. The recording, which was reportedly sent to the governor, has caused dissatisfaction.

Other sources suggested that political figures from Niger East Senatorial District, Garba’s home region, have aligned with the governor to weaken Garba’s political influence ahead of the 2031 governorship election, which is expected to shift to the zone.

Additionally, Daily Trust gathered that there are plans to replace Garba as deputy governor in 2027, with some political players deliberately sowing divisions between the governor and his deputy.

The release of the controversial APC consensus list for the November 2025 LG elections further worsened the rift, as the deputy governor’s preferred candidate, Babangida Wasa Kudo, was dropped.