By Musa Baba Adamu
Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has put an end to speculation over his choice of running mate for the 2027 governorship election by reaffirming that Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba will remain his running mate.
Bago made the declaration on Tuesday at the Government House in Minna, where he addressed stakeholders and supporters amid widespread rumours surrounding the composition of his 2027 ticket.
The governor said the clarification became necessary following months of speculation, stressing that Garba remains his preferred deputy in line with constitutional provisions requiring a governorship candidate to nominate a running mate for submission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“There have been a lot of discussions in recent months, but I want everyone to witness that my Deputy, Yakubu Garba, is still my running mate in 2027,” Bago said.
Garba, a retired civil servant and politician from Shiroro Local Government Area, has served as Deputy Governor of Niger State since May 29, 2023.
Before assuming office as deputy governor, he represented Shiroro Constituency in the Niger State House of Assembly, where he occupied several leadership positions.
He also had a distinguished career in the Niger State civil service before joining partisan politics.
The announcement effectively settles uncertainties over the governor’s running mate ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.
