Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has announced his deputy, Yakubu Garba, as his running mate for his second-term bid on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor announced this at the Government House in Minna on Tuesday, calling for peace and urging political and religious stakeholders to refrain from actions capable of overheating the polity in the state.
Bago also advised Garba to embrace all groups and individuals, including those agitating for his replacement, in the interest of peace, harmony, and peaceful coexistence across Niger State. 
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According to him, individuals and groups who are expected to promote peace, particularly at a time when the state and the country are grappling with security challenges, must avoid inflammatory actions and statements capable of creating political tension.
He stressed the need for unity and tolerance, warning against allowing political differences to undermine the peace and stability of the state.
Governor Bago congratulated Yakubu Garba on his nomination as running mate for the 2027 governorship election and urged him not to take the agitations against his candidature personally.
He further encouraged the deputy governor to embrace those opposed to his nomination and work with all stakeholders towards the unity, peace, and development of Niger State.
The announcement comes amid recent agitations over the running mate position ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
