The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has ordered the suspension of one of his aides, Sa’idu Enagi, following the circulation of an unauthorised political article analysing the 2027 Niger State governorship race.
The article, titled “Malagi 2027,” examined possible political permutations ahead of the next gubernatorial election in Niger State. The minister has since distanced himself from the publication, insisting it was produced without his knowledge or approval.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris described the write-up as misleading and inconsistent with his official position.
“The office of the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, wishes to bring to the attention of the general public a write-up, written by an aide, Sa’idu Enagi, titled ‘Malagi 2027,’ in which permutations for the 2027 Niger State gubernatorial elections were discussed,” the statement said.
“The write-up and all its contexts are hereby vehemently disclaimed,” it added.
The minister stressed that he is not engaged in any form of political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections, noting that his focus remains on his responsibilities at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
“The Honourable Minister is fully focused on his responsibility, superintending the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and has no room for political distractions,” the statement said.
The ministry urged the public to disregard the article entirely, emphasising that it does not reflect the minister’s views, intentions or political interests.
As part of the response, Idris ordered an immediate investigation into how the publication emerged, while the aide responsible has been suspended with immediate effect.
“The minister has directed an immediate investigation, and the aide has been issued a letter of suspension with immediate effect,” the statement said.
The statement also addressed speculation surrounding the minister’s relationship with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, dismissing claims of political rivalry or tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
“It is noteworthy that the Minister and his home state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, enjoy a positive, mutual relationship for the greater good of Niger State, and therefore, speculations about the 2027 elections will appear inimical to these noble objectives,” it said.
The ministry reaffirmed that the minister remains committed to supporting the policies of the administration and maintaining political harmony in Niger State, while avoiding actions capable of fueling unnecessary political tension ahead of future elections.
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