Minister Suspends Aide Over Unauthorized 2027 Niger Governorship Article

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has publicly dissociated himself from a political publication that discussed possible outcomes ahead of the 2027 Niger State governorship election.

The controversial article, titled “Malagi 2027,” reportedly explored speculative political scenarios surrounding the future governorship race in Niger State. However, the minister clarified that the publication was released without his knowledge or consent.

In an official statement issued on Wednesday by his office, it was disclosed that the article was authored and circulated by one of his aides, Sa’idu Enagi, without authorization. The statement firmly emphasized that the views expressed in the write-up do not reflect the minister’s opinions, plans, or political ambitions.

According to the statement, the minister completely rejected the content of the publication, describing it as unauthorized and misleading. Members of the public were strongly advised to ignore the article in its entirety, as it does not represent the official position of the minister.

The statement further explained that Mohammed Idris remains fully committed to his responsibilities at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation. It stressed that he has no interest in early political campaigns or distractions related to future elections, especially those that could undermine governance or public trust.

The minister also made it clear that he neither instructed nor approved the production or circulation of the political article in question.

In response to the incident, the minister ordered an immediate internal investigation to determine how the article was released without clearance. As part of disciplinary action, the aide responsible for the publication has been suspended with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Additionally, the statement highlighted the strong working relationship between the minister and the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago. It described their relationship as cordial, cooperative, and focused on the development, unity, and stability of Niger State.

The statement warned that premature political speculations regarding the 2027 elections could be counterproductive and harmful to the shared developmental goals of the current administration.

It concluded by reaffirming the minister’s dedication to national service and responsible governance. The disclaimer was officially signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation.