“Niger State Deputy Governor Finally Breaks Silence: What’s Really Behind The Resignation Rumors?

According to Naija News, Garba’s statement follows reports of a strained relationship between the two leaders, stemming from alleged marginalization, disputes over the APC consensus list for the November 2025 local government elections, and internal party conflicts.

In a message to SaharaReporters on Wednesday night, Garba clarified, “Thanks for reaching out, but I am not resigning as speculated. If there’s anything to the contrary, I will let the public know.”

The rumors had intensified after reports suggested that Garba had begun vacating his official residence, hinting at a possible resignation upon Governor Bago’s return from an overseas trip.

The tension between the two leaders reportedly escalated after Garba’s favored candidate for the Shiroro Local Government chairmanship, Babangida Wasa Kudo, was replaced with Isyaku Bawa on the APC consensus list. This move was viewed as a slight to Garba’s supporters, who accused the governor of disregarding Garba’s preferences and those of stakeholders from the Shiroro region. Protests later erupted in Shiroro LGA, with residents voicing their discontent, claiming they supported Bago in 2023 because of Garba, and threatening to deal with the governor in the future if their concerns were ignored.

Sources indicate that the tensions started soon after Bago and Garba assumed office in May 2023. The division was reportedly deepened by a leaked audio recording of Garba allegedly criticizing Bago’s leadership.

Recent reports suggest that Garba’s monthly office allocation was reduced from ₦50 million to ₦20 million, and key responsibilities were reassigned to the Deputy Chief of Staff, who is Bago’s younger brother, adding fuel to the fire.

At a public event in Minna on April 23, 2025, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, seemed to allude to the crisis, remarking: “You need a high dose of patience to be a deputy governor.”

Earlier, Garba’s Press Secretary, Unmulkhatumi Abdullahi Kuta, denied the resignation claims, stating, “The deputy governor is still in his official residence, and there are no plans for him to resign.”