Northern Youth Group: No Rift Between Governor Bago, Deputy

Prominent Northern youth group has debunked rumours suggesting a rift between the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Mohammed Umaru Bago, and his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba. The group described the allegations as baseless, politically motivated, and a calculated attempt to discredit the Governor’s rising popularity and sterling performance. In a press statement issued in […]

Prominent Northern youth group has debunked rumours suggesting a rift between the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Mohammed Umaru Bago, and his Deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba.

The group described the allegations as baseless, politically motivated, and a calculated attempt to discredit the Governor’s rising popularity and sterling performance.

In a press statement issued in Kaduna and signed by Ibrahim Yusuf, Director of Publicity, the group condemned what it termed an “imaginary disaffection” and “media onslaught” against the Bago-led administration.

The group highlighted that Governor Bago personally chose Comrade Yakubu Garba as his running mate despite resistance from political, religious, and traditional quarters.

His choice, they said, symbolized unity, inclusion, and a commitment to diverse leadership.

According to the statement, the Deputy Governor has enjoyed significant responsibilities under Governor Bago’s leadership — including representing him at national and international events and serving as Acting Governor during official leave, as formally communicated to the Niger State House of Assembly.

He was also given numerous slots for appointments. Presently, he is the chairman of the ongoing recruitment process in Niger State, according to the group.

The group praised Governor Bago’s commitment to fairness and meritocracy, citing recent appointments in the civil service and local government that were based strictly on merit, not political lobbying or favoritism.

Addressing the criticisms surrounding the selection process for local government candidates ahead of the 2025 elections, the youth group insisted that such attacks stemmed from personal political interests rather than genuine concern for Niger State’s development.

They accused political opponents of sponsoring false narratives to divert attention from the Governor’s developmental strides and called on Nigerlites to remain steadfast in their support for the administration.

“We have been inundated with reports in the mainstream and social media alleging a rift between Governor Bago and his Deputy. These reports are not only false but also malicious attempts to sow discord in a working relationship built on mutual respect and trust.”

“Even the Governor’s fiercest critics know him as a man of honour and integrity. When faced with a choice between appeasing a privileged few or prioritizing the collective good of Niger State, Governor Bago always chooses the people.”

The group noted that while differing opinions may arise between the Governor and his Deputy, such diversity of thought only enriches governance and deepens democracy.

Meanwhile, Governor Bago has said that he has no issues whatsoever with his Deputy, describing their relationship as perfect and harmonious.

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

“It is a rumour and let’s not talk about rumour. Our relationship is very perfect, very harmonious. We are a team; they can’t break us. Our focus is on the goal and we will achieve it. A new Niger is possible,” he said.

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

He said his deputy was unavoidably absent at the worker’s day to attend to other national important issues.

He assured workers of a conducive working environment and the settlement of outstanding entitlements, urging them to exercise patience and understanding.