2027: Niger Gov Bago Unveils Running Mate

Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has officially confirmed that he will retain his Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election, putting to rest speculation surrounding the composition of his re-election ticket.

According to Ireporter Online, Governor Bago made the announcement on Tuesday during a gathering at the Government House in Minna, where he declared that Garba would remain his deputy on the 2027 ticket. He further disclosed that Garba’s name would be submitted alongside his to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as required by law.

The governor explained that the Nigerian Constitution mandates every governorship candidate to nominate a deputy when submitting nomination forms to INEC. He noted that recent rumours had created uncertainty over his choice of running mate, prompting him to publicly reaffirm Garba’s position.

Bago stated that the decision was intended to end months of speculation and reassure party members and supporters that Yakubu Garba remains his preferred deputy for the next electoral cycle.

Meanwhile, the Niger State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 38-year-old resident of Suleja, Hamisu Abdullahi, over an incident that occurred during Governor Bago’s visit to the Emir of Suleja.

According to information made available to Ireporter Online, the suspect was taken into custody after allegedly attempting to disrupt official government activities by repeatedly shouting “No water, no light” during the governor’s visit.

Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said Abdullahi was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna for further investigation. The command stated that he is being investigated on suspicion of thuggery and actions considered capable of disrupting government functions.