Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has directed an immediate investigation into a write-up by his aide, Sa’idu Enagi, which claimed that the minister plans to run for governor of Niger State in 2027.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim.
According to the statement, Enagi wrote and published an article titled “Malagi 2027,” in which permutations for the 2027 Niger State governorship election were discussed without the knowledge or approval of the minister.
The minister “vehemently disclaimed the write-up and all its contexts,” stressing that he is fully focused on his responsibilities at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and has no interest in political distractions.
“The general public is advised to disregard the publication, as the Honourable Minister neither directed nor approved it,” the statement said.
The minister also ordered an immediate investigation into the matter, while the aide responsible for the publication has been issued a letter of suspension with immediate effect.
“It is noteworthy that the Honourable Minister and his home state governor, His Excellency Mohammed Umaru Bago, enjoy a positive and mutual relationship for the greater good of Niger State; therefore, speculations about the 2027 elections would be inimical to these noble objectives,” the statement added.
PR