Commission. Sources say the slot, originally earmarked for Senator Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger North), was ceded to Malagi after he lobbied for Jikantoro.
Jikantoro had resigned shortly after Governor Bago was sworn in, citing personal reasons. However, sources told Weekend Trust that his resignation was triggered by long standing friction between him and the governor dating back to the party primaries. Jikantoro has since declared his loyalty to the minister.
Similarly, the former state secretary of the APC, Ibrahim Khalil, who resigned just a week after Jikantoro, has been appointed Director of Special Duties at the NTA – another recommendation reportedly made by Malagi. Khalil has been seen at several events alongside the minister, particularly in Niger State.
“The minister is operating silently but effectively. If Bago’s camp faces prolonged internal opposition, Malagi could emerge as a viable alternative, especially given his federal leverage and Abuja connections,” one of the sources said.
A chieftain of the APC in the state and close associate of the minister, Tongzum Barde, said he cannot confirm whether or not the minister is contesting, adding that only time will tell.
While Governor Bago is working to consolidate power, the unresolved disputes over local government consensus arrangements may prove to be the biggest test of his grip on the APC ahead of 2027.
