The clarification comes amid growing reports of a strained relationship between the two leaders, fuelled by accusations of political marginalisation and recent developments within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the November 2025 local government elections.
Niger State Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, has denied speculations that he is planning to resign from office, following mounting political tension between him and Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
The clarification comes amid growing reports of a strained relationship between the two leaders, fuelled by accusations of political marginalisation and recent developments within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the November 2025 local government elections.
Bellnews had earlier reported that Garba was considering resignation after Governor Bago allegedly cautioned him over complaints raised by his supporters. The warning reportedly followed dissatisfaction expressed by Garba’s allies over the exclusion of their preferred candidates from the APC consensus list.
Garba, according to sources, had begun moving his personal belongings from his official residence opposite the Justice Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna and was said to be awaiting Governor Bago’s return from an overseas trip before submitting a resignation letter.
However, in an exclusive message sent to bellnews on Wednesday night, Garba dismissed the speculation.
“Thanks for reaching me; however, I am not resigning as speculated. If there’s anything to the contrary, I will let the public be aware,” he said.
The disagreement between Bago and Garba reportedly dates back to May 2023, when both assumed office. A private conversation in which Garba allegedly criticised the governor’s leadership was said to have been secretly recorded and leaked, deepening the rift.
Tensions intensified recently after Garba’s choice for the chairmanship of Shiroro Local Government Area, Babangida Wasa Kudo, was replaced with Isyaku Bawa. Party loyalists viewed this as a deliberate snub, especially since the governor honoured the preferences of other political leaders.
Protests erupted in Shiroro LGA, where supporters of Garba accused the governor of disrespecting the deputy.
“We supported Bago in 2023 because of Garba. If the governor doesn’t listen to us, we will deal with him in the future,” said Ahmed Sarki Chukuba, Youth Leader of Kwaki/Chukuba Ward.
Adding to the controversy, Garba’s office allocation was reportedly slashed from N50 million to N20 million. At the same time, key responsibilities were transferred to the Deputy Chief of Staff, a position held by the governor’s younger brother.
Despite efforts by top government officials and the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly to mediate, sources close to the deputy governor say he remains frustrated. He reportedly told aides to vacate his official residence and move to his home.
His press secretary, Unmulkhatumi Abdullahi Kuta, had earlier insisted there were no plans for resignation, saying, “The deputy governor is in his official residence as we speak, and there’s no plan for him to resign.”
During a public event in Minna on April 23, 2025, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, appeared to comment on the situation, advising: “You need a high dose of patience to be a deputy governor.”