28/04/2025
Niger Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba Set to Resign Amid Growing Tensions
The political atmosphere in Niger State is currently tense following credible reports that the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, is considering stepping down from his position.
Multiple sources close to the situation told Daily Nigerian that barring a last-minute change of heart, Garba could tender his resignation "any moment from now." In apparent preparation for his exit, eyewitnesses observed the Deputy Governor moving some of his belongings from the Government House to his private residence over the weekend.
According to insiders, the movement of property occurred between Saturday and Sunday, further fueling speculation about his imminent resignation. One source stated, "As I speak to you, he has substantially moved out his belongings from the official residence to his private home. His resignation is imminent."
Traditional rulers in the state were said to have visited Mr. Garba on Sunday night in a bid to persuade him to reconsider his decision. However, it remains unclear whether the interventions were successful.
Sources familiar with the development attribute Mr. Garba's decision to an increasingly strained relationship with Governor Umaru Bago. According to them, Garba has faced persistent disrespect and marginalization from both the governor and his aides.
In recent months, Garba was reportedly sidelined from key government activities despite being elected alongside Bago on the same political platform. Tensions reportedly reached a breaking point following the controversial replacement of Garba’s preferred candidate for the upcoming local government elections.
Our findings indicate that Garba and key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Shiroro Local Government Area had endorsed Babangida Kudodo as their consensus candidate. However, the party leadership announced Isyaku Bawa as the official candidate, allegedly on the governor's instructions.
“Beyond sidelining him, even his monthly allowances and official overheads were significantly slashed,” a source lamented.
Attempts to reach the Deputy Governor for comments were unsuccessful. However, his Press Secretary, Ummikhultume Abdullahi, also revealed that she was unaware of any resignation plans and insisted that Mr. Garba had not moved out of his official residence.
“I just had a meeting with him at the official residence,” she said.
As the situation unfolds, political observers are closely watching developments in Niger State, as the potential resignation of a Deputy Governor could significantly alter the political landscape.
Copied
Nupe Tashiru TV
