Niger Governor Retains Deputy As Running Mate

Niger State governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has retained his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, as his running mate for next year’s election.

This came as a Coalition of Concerned Christian Stakeholders in Niger State rejected the sustenance of the Muslim-Muslim governorship ticket by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

LEADERSHIP reports that the spokesman and secretary of the coalition Mr Jude Johnson, declared at a news conference that “In Niger State Christians are over 45% in terms of population the ruling government has undermined and relegated Christians in the just-concluded primaries of the APC, qualified and popular Christian politicians who aspired to contest and be voted into various elective positions were compelled to drop their ambitions because of their religion”

The governor, however, disclosed at an extraordinary meeting yesterday at the Council Chamber, Government House, Minna, that he was retaining Garba as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

Bago reiterated that his administration would endeavour, as much as possible, to ensure that every aspect of the society was represented in his government, thereby reflecting the state’s character in governance.

He called on people to preach peace and desist from overheating the polity with divisive tendencies, as the State faced many challenges.

Apparently allaying the fears of concerned Christian stakeholders, he said the agitations from some quarters were germane and fundamental, but added that people have the right to aspire.

He said he remained poised to adhere to democratic principles and would allow people to speak out on behalf of their clans, religion, tribe, zone, senatorial district, and constituencies to ensure equal representation in the system.

He called on stakeholders in the local government areas with vacant positions to nominate their choices as soon as possible to enable him to make the necessary replacements.

He lauded the Speaker, State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, and all the members of the State House of Assembly for their support, describing it as a turning point in the State’s democracy, as there is no dissenting voice in the State Assembly and the State’s cabinet in the choice of the deputy governor.

He also appreciated the State APC party for its support and continuous leadership in ensuring the party triumphs.

The highlight of the event was the signing and presentation of the nomination form to the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba.