Niger State Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba set to resign

Barring a last-minute change, the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba, may tender his resignation at any moment.

Multiple sources confirmed to Daily Nigerian that Garba began moving his personal belongings from the official residence over the weekend, a clear sign of his imminent departure from office.

An insider revealed, “As I speak to you, he has substantially moved out of the official residence to his private home. His resignation could happen at any time now.”

Sources further disclosed that a group of traditional rulers visited Garba on Sunday night in an attempt to persuade him to reconsider his decision. However, it remains uncertain whether their intervention has had any effect.

Insiders attribute Garba’s planned resignation to an increasingly strained relationship with Governor Umaru Bago. They allege that the deputy governor has suffered continuous marginalization and disrespect from the governor and his inner circle.

“In recent times, he has been excluded from major government decisions, despite being elected alongside the governor,” one source said.

The immediate cause of Garba’s discontent, according to insiders, was the replacement of his preferred candidate for the upcoming local government elections. Garba and other APC stakeholders in Shiroro Local Government Area had endorsed Babangida Kudodo as their consensus candidate. However, the party leadership announced a different candidate, Isyaku Bawa, reportedly at the governor’s behest.

Similar replacements of other consensus candidates, allegedly without consultation, have only deepened the rift.

“He has no control over any segment of the administration. Despite his loyalty and contributions to the party’s success, he is treated with open disrespect,” another source stated. It was also alleged that Garba’s allowances and overheads have been significantly reduced.

Efforts to reach the deputy governor for comment were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or messages.

Meanwhile, Garba’s Press Secretary, Ummikhultume Abdullahi, denied knowledge of any resignation plans. “I am not aware of any such development. He has not relocated from the official residence. In fact, I just had a meeting with him there,” she said.