By OBSERVERS TIMES
A deepening schism has emerged between the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and his Deputy, Yakubu Garba, with OBSERVERS TIMES investigations uncovering the intricate web of factors contributing to the escalating feud. Speculation is rife that the deputy governor may be on the verge of resigning from his position, a development further fueled by his discreet departure from his official residence in Minna.
Multiple sources privy to the inner workings of the state government have revealed to OBSERVERS TIMES that the friction between the two leaders ignited shortly after they assumed office in May 2023.
Our investigation points to a leaked audio recording of a private conversation as a significant catalyst. Sources indicate that in the recording, Deputy Governor Garba allegedly voiced criticisms of Governor Bago’s decisions. This recording purportedly found its way to the governor, breeding an atmosphere of distrust between the two principal officers.
Furthermore, OBSERVERS TIMES has learned from political insiders that the burgeoning rift may be intertwined with a broader political strategy orchestrated by influential figures from the Niger East senatorial district. This alleged scheme aims to diminish Deputy Governor Garba’s political standing in anticipation of the 2031 governorship rotation, which is expected to favor the Niger East zone.
Sources reveal a pattern of marginalization, with the deputy governor reportedly being sidelined from crucial state affairs. Instances of him being granted the authority to act as governor during Governor Bago’s absences have been notably infrequent, occurring only once in November 2024 when the governor was in the United States.
OBSERVERS TIMES has gathered that the most recent trigger for the escalating tensions was a direct phone call from Governor Bago to his deputy. In this call, the governor reportedly cautioned Garba to manage his supporters, who had voiced their discontent regarding the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus list for the upcoming local government elections.
“The governor called the deputy yesterday and warned him to be careful. That was when the deputy decided to leave his official residence,” a highly placed source confided in OBSERVERS TIMES.
Another source close to the government disclosed to OBSERVERS TIMES that Deputy Governor Garba has already removed his personal belongings from both his official residence and office. This source further suggested that Garba is likely to tender his resignation upon Governor Bago’s return from his current trip to Russia.
However, when contacted by OBSERVERS TIMES, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, denied any knowledge of a fallout between the governor and his deputy.
Similarly, the Deputy Governor’s Press Secretary, Unmulkhatumi Abdullahi Kuta, told OBSERVERS TIMES, “His Excellency the Deputy Governor has not resigned and cannot resign. I am currently at his official residence, and he is also here.”
OBSERVERS TIMES investigations have also uncovered a strong link between the current crisis and the contentious APC consensus list for the November 2025 local government elections. A key point of contention is the Shiroro Local Government Area, where the deputy governor’s preferred candidate, Babangida Wasa Kudodo, was allegedly dropped in favor of Isyaku Bawa.
Stakeholders from the Lakpma zone, a region grappling with significant insecurity, have voiced their grievances to OBSERVERS TIMES, claiming that the governor has disregarded a pre-existing zoning agreement that would have ceded the chairmanship to their area.
“We voted for Bago because of Garba. If our choice is not respected, APC will suffer here in 2027,” Ahmed Sarki Chukuba, a youth leader, asserted during a protest in Shiroro, as witnessed by OBSERVERS TIMES reporters.
Further compounding the situation, OBSERVERS TIMES has learned from reliable sources that the budget allocated to the deputy governor’s office has been significantly reduced from ₦50 million to ₦20 million. Additionally, some of the deputy governor’s official responsibilities have reportedly been transferred to the Deputy Chief of Staff, who is the governor’s younger brother.
On Sunday, OBSERVERS TIMES can confirm that Deputy Governor Garba convened a closed-door meeting with his aides, which spanned from 4 pm to 1 am. Following this meeting, he reportedly instructed his aides to vacate their official residence.
OBSERVERS TIMES has been informed that prominent political figures, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and key APC stakeholders, have reportedly intervened, urging Deputy Governor Garba to reconsider his reported decision to resign.
The discontent extends beyond Shiroro LGA. In Mokwa Local Government Area, OBSERVERS TIMES investigations reveal that APC members staged protests against the alleged imposition of the incumbent chairman, Jibril Abdullahi Muregi, over Ibrahim Buka, a consensus candidate purportedly agreed upon through zoning arrangements.
“If our choice is ignored, we will show our anger at the polls. The APC is losing its base,” Mohammed Idris, a leader of the Mokwa protest, told OBSERVERS TIMES.
Interestingly, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, indirectly alluded to the unfolding tension during the launch of flight operations at the Minna airport on April 23.
“You know the job of a deputy governor. You need a high dose of patience to do the job anywhere in the world,” Malagi remarked.
OBSERVERS TIMES analysts note striking parallels between the current crisis in Niger State and the well-documented fallout between former Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu and his deputy, Ahmed Musa Ibeto, in 2015. That rift reportedly culminated in Aliyu barring Ibeto from an executive council meeting following Ibeto’s defection to the APC.
The unfolding events in Niger State, meticulously investigated by OBSERVERS TIMES, signal a potentially significant political upheaval with implications for the state’s stability and the future of the ruling APC in the region.
Stay with OBSERVERS TIMES for further updates on this developing story.
Revealed: Leaked Tape Sparks Niger Gov-Deputy Feud
