L-R: Governor Umar Bago and Deputy governor Yakubu Garba. [Facebook]
A source close to the governor has confirmed that Yakubu Garba, the Deputy Governor of Niger State, has removed his personal belongings from both his office and residence. He is reportedly waiting for Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago's return from Russia before formalizing his resignation.
Niger State is on the verge of a political upheaval as Garba considers stepping down, which underscores a deepening rift between him and Governor Bago. Both officials were elected under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in May 2023.
Tensions between the two have been simmering for months, but they escalated recently after a leaked recording allegedly captured Garba criticizing the governor during a private conversation. Sources indicate that Governor Bago confronted Garba after receiving complaints from the deputy governor's political allies regarding a controversial consensus list for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for November 2025.
“The governor called the deputy yesterday and told him he heard that his people were complaining about the consensus list, and warned him to be careful. That was what triggered the deputy’s move to vacate his official residence,” one insider said.
Deputy Governor Allegedly Evacuates State House
A source close to the governor confirmed that Garba has removed personal belongings from both his office and residence. The source added that the deputy governor is waiting for Bago’s return from Russia before formalizing his resignation.
“It is true he wants to leave. We are trying to convince him to shelve the idea. The governor and the deputy had a good relationship before their election, but things deteriorated due to mutual suspicion and interference by others,” the source said.
The root of the conflict appears to stem from multiple points of friction, particularly the rejection of Garba’s preferred candidate, Babangida Wasa Kudo, for the Shiroro Local Government Area.
In March, Governor Bago announced that the APC would adopt a consensus model for selecting candidates; however, Garba’s nominee was overlooked in favor of Isyaku Bawa. The final candidate list was signed by state APC chairman Aminu Musa Bobi and Adamu Gani, but not by Garba. This move was perceived by Garba’s supporters in Shiroro as a deliberate snub, further straining the relationship between the deputy and the governor.
Additionally, Garba has allegedly faced reductions in his operational capacity. His office budget was cut from ₦50 million to ₦20 million, and some of his responsibilities have been reassigned to the Deputy Chief of Staff, who is reportedly a relative of the governor.
“He had a meeting with his aides from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Sunday. He said he would no longer sleep in his official residence and ordered all aides to vacate. His belongings were moved out immediately,” another source said.
Several prominent figures, including Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Bosso LGA representative Hon. Gomna, and other commissioners, visited Garba's residence to persuade him to reconsider his decision. Awaisu Giwa Wana, an APC stalwart and union leader, was seen in tears as he pleaded with Garba to change his mind. Despite these efforts, Garba ultimately decided to move to his private residence.
In related news, Governor Bago's Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, has denied any fallout between the governor and his deputy, attempting to downplay the ongoing crisis.
“I am not aware of any fallout between the governor and the deputy governor,” he said.
Garba's spokesperson, Unmulkhatumi Abdullahi Kuta, denied the rumors regarding Garba's resignation.
“As I speak with you, His Excellency the Deputy Governor has not resigned and cannot resign. I am in his official residence now, and he is also here,” she said.
Political observers indicate that the recent fallout may be part of a broader strategy to diminish Garba’s influence in anticipation of the 2031 governorship race. It is expected that the Niger East Senatorial District—Garba’s stronghold—will produce the next governor.
In response to the perceived marginalization of the deputy governor, loyalists in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) are planning a protest today at the local government secretariat to voice their dissatisfaction.
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