Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, has suspended his aide, Sa’idu Enagi, after an unauthorised political write-up linked to the 2027 Niger State governorship election was circulated. The Ministry has also launched an immediate investigation into the matter.

The write-up, titled “Malagi 2027”, discussed potential political permutations for the 2027 election but was published without the Minister’s approval. The Ministry clarified that the publication does not reflect Malagi’s views.

Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister, urged the public to disregard the write-up, stating:

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

Ibrahim added that Malagi has taken internal disciplinary action, issuing a suspension letter to the aide responsible.

The Ministry also emphasized Malagi’s continued focus on his federal duties, noting his cordial relationship with Niger State’s Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago.

“Speculations about the 2027 elections appear inimical to these noble objectives,” the Ministry stated.

Malagi, nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023, previously sought the Niger State governorship under the APC in 2023 but lost the primary to Umar Bago, who went on to win the election.