By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Office of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has suspended one of his aides, Sa’idu Enagi, over a write-up titled “Malagi 2027,” which analysed possible permutations ahead of the 2027 Niger State governorship election, The Punch reports.
Idris disowned the publication, describing as unauthorised, misleading, and not reflective of his views.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister said the article was authored without his knowledge, consent, or approval.
“The office of the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, wishes to bring to the attention of the general public a write-up, written by an aide, Sa’idu Enagi, titled ‘Malagi 2027,’ in which permutations for the 2027 Niger State gubernatorial elections were discussed,” the statement read.
“The write-up and all its contexts are hereby vehemently disclaimed,” it added.
According to the statement, the minister has no involvement in political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections and remains fully committed to his official responsibilities at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.
“The Honourable Minister is fully focused on his responsibility, superintending the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and has no room for political distractions,” the statement said.
The ministry urged members of the public to disregard the publication entirely, stressing that it does not reflect the minister’s opinions, intentions, or political interests.
As a consequence of the development, the minister ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the publication, while the aide responsible has been suspended.
“The minister has directed an immediate investigation, and the aide has been issued a letter of suspension with immediate effect,” the statement said.
The ministry also addressed speculations regarding the political relationship between the minister and the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, dismissing claims of discord or rivalry ahead of the 2027 polls.
“It is noteworthy that the Minister and his home state governor, 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 statement noted.
The statement emphasised that the minister remains committed to supporting the policies and programmes of the administration and to maintaining harmony with political leaders in his home state, while avoiding actions that could fuel unnecessary political tension ahead of future elections.