Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has ruled out investigating his predecessor, Abubakar Sani Bello, despite claiming to possess documents detailing alleged misconduct during the former administration.

Speaking during a sympathy visit to the Emir’s Palace in Kagara, Rafi Local Government Area, following a communal clash that claimed more than 40 lives, Bago said he was prioritising peace over political retaliation.

“I have all their files. I know exactly what they did during their time in office. Every shady activity and dirty deal is documented,” the governor said.

He added, “Some people are pushing me to fight the former governor, Abu Sani Bello, but I refuse. What I want for Niger State is peace, nothing but peace.”

The governor’s remarks come amid growing political tension in the state following the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, which led to the defection of several former political appointees from Bello’s administration to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The defectors, led by Bello’s former Chief of Staff, Maikil Al-Amin Bmitosahi, accused the Bago administration of poor governance and pledged to “rescue” the state.

Responding, Bago described the defections as driven by selfish interests and insisted they would not destabilise his administration.

“Some of you left the party purely for selfish interests, but you will not succeed in destabilising this administration. I am the only governor who has chosen to accommodate everybody,” he said.

The governor also maintained that he did not interfere in the APC senatorial primary involving Bello, stressing that his focus remained on preserving peace in the state.

Bago further warned against attempts to create divisions within the ruling party and directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate individuals spreading what he described as fake news and malicious propaganda.

“Enough is enough. We will not allow rumour-mongers and enemies of progress to undermine the peace and development of Niger State,” he said.