Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, has suspended his aide, Sa’idu Enagi, for publishing an unauthorised political write-up linked to the 2027 Niger State governorship election.

 

The Minister has also ordered an immediate investigation into the matter.

 

According to the Ministry, the write-up, titled ‘Malagi 2027’, discussed potential political permutations for the 2027 contest and was circulated without Malagi’s approval. The Ministry clarified that the publication does not represent the Minister’s position.

 

Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, in a statement on Wednesday, asked the public to disregard the write-up.

 

“Please disregard the write-up as the Honourable Minister neither directed nor approved the publication,” he said.

 

Ibrahim also stated that the Minister has taken action to address the issue internally, including disciplining the aide responsible.

 

“The Honourable Minister has directed an immediate investigation, and the aide has been issued a letter of suspension with immediate effect,” Ibrahim said.

 

The Ministry further clarified the Minister’s relationship with Niger State’s leadership, saying, “It is noteworthy that the Honourable Minister and his home state governor, His Excellency 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.”

 

The Ministry confirmed that the Minister remains focused on his federal responsibilities at the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

 

Meanwhile, Malagi, was nominated and confirmed as Nigeria’s Minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023.

 

Prior to his ministerial appointment, Malagi sought the Niger State governorship on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023.

 

However, he lost the APC primary to Umar Bago, polling significantly fewer votes than his rival, who eventually secured

the governorship.