A major political rift has emerged between Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and his deputy, Yakubu Garba, sparking widespread speculation that Garba may resign from office soon.
The tensions have escalated significantly following reports that the deputy governor quietly vacated his official residence in Minna, fueling suspicions of a deepening fallout within the state’s leadership. According to insiders, the friction between the duo dates back to shortly after they assumed office in May 2023.
Leaked Audio and Power Struggles at the Heart of the Rift
Sources familiar with the situation told Daily Trust that the discord intensified after a leaked private audio recording allegedly captured Deputy Governor Garba criticizing Governor Bago’s leadership. The recording reportedly found its way to Bago, leading to a breakdown of trust.
Political observers suggest the feud may also stem from broader power plays by political heavyweights in Niger East, who are accused of scheming to diminish Garba’s political influence ahead of the 2031 governorship rotation, which is expected to favor his zone.
Garba Allegedly Marginalized from Governance
The deputy governor is said to have been consistently excluded from core governance roles. He has only acted as governor once—during Bago’s trip to the United States in November 2024—a deviation from usual protocol in Nigerian politics.
Adding fuel to the fire, Governor Bago reportedly issued a warning to Garba during a phone call, urging him to rein in his supporters who were opposing the party’s controversial consensus list for upcoming local government elections.
“The governor warned him to control his people. After that, Garba packed out of his official residence,” a source revealed.
Resignation Rumors and Denials
Sources close to the deputy governor claim he has removed personal belongings from his residence and office and may submit his resignation upon the governor’s return from Russia.
However, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, denied any knowledge of a rift. Similarly, the Deputy Governor’s Press Secretary, Unmulkhatumi Abdullahi Kuta, dismissed the resignation claims.
“His Excellency the Deputy Governor has not resigned and cannot resign. I am with him in his official residence,” she stated.
Consensus List Sparks Party Protests
The crisis is further aggravated by disagreements over the APC’s consensus candidates for the November 2025 local government elections. In Shiroro LGA, Garba’s preferred candidate, Babangida Wasa Kudodo, was replaced with Isyaku Bawa, igniting protests.
Stakeholders from the Lakpma axis, an area plagued by insecurity, claim that an agreed zoning formula was ignored.
“We supported Bago because of Garba. If our candidate is sidelined, APC will lose ground here in 2027,” said youth leader Ahmed Sarki Chukuba during a protest in Shiroro.
Deputy Governor’s Office Reportedly Weakened
Additional reports allege that the budget for the deputy governor’s office was slashed from ₦50 million to ₦20 million, and several responsibilities were reassigned to the Deputy Chief of Staff, who is said to be Governor Bago’s younger brother.
In a closed-door meeting that lasted from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday, Garba reportedly directed his aides to vacate the residence, signaling further estrangement from the administration.
Top APC Figures Urge Reconciliation
Prominent figures, including the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly and senior APC stakeholders, have reportedly appealed to Garba to reconsider resigning, fearing the political consequences for the party.
The conflict is not isolated. In Mokwa LGA, protests erupted over the alleged imposition of incumbent chairman Jibril Abdullahi Muregi, disregarding a zoned consensus candidate, Ibrahim Buka.
“If they ignore our choice, we’ll respond at the polls. APC is losing grassroots support,” warned protest leader Mohammed Idris.
Minister Weighs In Subtly
During the launch of flight operations at Minna airport on April 23, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, commented indirectly on the situation:
“You know the job of a deputy governor. You need a high dose of patience to do the job anywhere in the world,” he said.
Echoes of 2015 Political Crisis
Observers have compared the current situation to the 2015 fallout between former Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu and his deputy, Ahmed Musa Ibeto, who was barred from state cabinet meetings after defecting to the APC.
