Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger State has picked his deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

Bago announced this on Tuesday in Minna during a meeting with members of the state executive council and state lawmakers.

He noted that his deputy had been loyal and supportive in implementing their shared vision for the state.

Bago stressed his administration’s determination to have inclusive governance while calling on the people to remain peaceful and not overheat the polity.

He also called on stakeholders in the local government areas where their political representatives had resigned, to submit names of nominees to fill such vacancies.