The call has sparked speculation that Garba is contemplating resignation, amid growing concerns of political marginalisation and strained relations between the two leaders.
Tension has escalated in Niger State following a recent warning call from Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to his deputy, Yakubu Garba.
The call has sparked speculation that Garba is contemplating resignation, amid growing concerns of political marginalisation and strained relations between the two leaders.
Sources privy to the situation told Daily Trust that Governor Bago spoke to Garba after hearing complaints from the deputy’s supporters regarding the APC consensus list for the November 2025 local government elections.
The call reportedly advised Garba to warn his political allies, who had voiced grievances over the exclusion of their preferred candidates.
The warning is said to have triggered Garba’s decision to vacate his official residence in Minna, further fuelling the rumours of his impending resignation.
Garba’s move out of his official quarters, located opposite the Justice Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre, has raised eyebrows among political observers.
Sources confirmed that Garba had begun removing his personal belongings from the residence and is now awaiting Governor Bago’s return from an overseas trip before submitting his resignation.
The growing discord between the governor and his deputy can be traced back to shortly after they both assumed office in May 2023.
Insiders claim that a private conversation involving Garba, in which he reportedly criticised Bago’s leadership, was secretly recorded and leaked to the governor. This incident is said to have deepened the rift between the two leaders.
Political dynamics within the state have further complicated the situation. It is alleged that certain political forces in Garba’s senatorial district, Niger East, have aligned with Governor Bago to undermine Garba’s future political ambitions ahead of the 2031 elections.
Some sources indicate that there are plans to replace Garba by 2027, which has only intensified the deputy governor’s frustration.
Adding to the tension, Garba has rarely been given the opportunity to act as governor, with the only instance of him stepping in occurring during Bago’s trip to the United States in November 2024.
Observers have pointed to the governor’s reluctance to delegate power as a key factor in the deteriorating relationship.
A particularly contentious issue has been the recent APC consensus list for the local government elections. Garba’s preferred candidate for Shiroro LGA, Babangida Wasa Kudo, was reportedly replaced by Isyaku Bawa.
Despite the governor’s announcement that only three nominees per LGA would be submitted, he ultimately chose candidates outside the list, angering party loyalists.
“This was a slap in the face for the deputy governor,” said an APC stalwart. “The governor disregarded the process and openly embarrassed Garba while respecting the choices of other leaders.”
In response to these grievances, there have been protests within Garba’s political base. In Shiroro, supporters took to the streets, expressing dissatisfaction with the governor’s actions.
Ahmed Sarki Chukuba, Youth Leader of Kwaki/Chukuba Ward, voiced the community’s frustration, saying, “We supported Bago in 2023 because of Garba. If the governor doesn’t listen to us, we will deal with him in the future.”
Adding fuel to the fire, Garba’s office allocation was slashed from N50 million to N20 million, with several of his responsibilities transferred to the Deputy Chief of Staff’s office, headed by the governor’s younger brother.
These cuts, combined with the sidelining of Garba in key political matters, have led to significant discontent within his camp.
A source revealed, “Garba was furious last Sunday after a meeting with his aides. He ordered everyone to vacate his official residence and said no one could stop him. He insisted on moving to his personal residence.”
Efforts to convince Garba to reconsider his decision have been made by top officials, including the Speaker of the State Assembly and several commissioners. Despite their pleas, Garba has remained resolute.
“I am not resigning,” his Press Secretary, Unmulkhatumi Abdullahi Kuta, stated. “The deputy governor is in his official residence as we speak, and there’s no plan for him to resign.”
At a public event on April 23, 2025, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, subtly advised Garba to exercise patience. “You need a high dose of patience to be a deputy governor,” he remarked during the launch of commercial flights at Minna Airport.
Meanwhile, political tensions are simmering across the state, with further protests erupting in Mokwa LGA, where party members are unhappy with the selection of the incumbent chairman. “If our choice is not respected, we will work against the party in the next election,” one protester warned.
As Garba’s resignation remains uncertain, the political landscape of Niger State continues to be shaped by these tensions, with both the deputy governor and Governor Bago at a crossroads.