There is currently growing confusion within the ruling All
Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State following widespread rumours that
Governor Nasiru Idris may be planning to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The speculation was fueled by a viral report which named
Idris among five serving APC governors who are said to be considering joining
forces with the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in a bid to
unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
However, despite the report going viral on social media, the
state government has remained silent on the issue for over 48 hours, fueling
speculation that there might be some truth in the rumours.
The prolonged silence has intensified anxiety among party
members and residents, who are now left to wonder about the political future of
the governor and the state’s political dynamics.
It was observed that despite being in the opposition,
the PDP has a strong presence in Kebbi State.
The three senators representing the state in the National
Assembly – Adamu Aliero (North), Yahaya Abdullahi (Central) and Garba Musa
Maidoki (South) – are all members of the PDP.
Amid growing uncertainty surrounding Governor Nasiru Idris’
future in the APC, former Governor Adamu Aliero continues to wield significant
influence in Kebbi State politics.
Although Aliero switched to the opposition PDP, his
political experience remains undeniable, with many viewing him as a key decider
in the state’s electoral outcomes.
This strong representation has given the opposition party a
strong foothold in Kebbi.
In the 2023 gubernatorial election, Governor Idris of the
APC won by a narrow margin, securing just 52% of the votes to defeat his main
rival, retired Army General Aminu Bande of the PDP.
The rumours of Governor Idris’s defection have triggered an
internal crisis within the APC, with several party members expressing concern
over the future direction of the party.
In particular, some top members have been reported to be in
talks with opposition parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in
anticipation of a possible defection by the governor.
These have led to widespread uncertainty among APC members,
especially in the governor’s ward, Nassarawa II, where there is growing
confusion over what lies ahead.
To quell the growing unrest, the Chairman of the APC in
Kebbi State, Muhammad Zuru, issued a public statement cautioning party members
against aligning with what he described as “so-called emerging political
parties,” including the SDP.
“As party members, we must remain loyal and sincerely support
both the party and the government,” he stated.
The speculation has since stirred mixed reactions among APC
members in the state.
In interviews with DAILY POST, some APC members dismissed
the reports as baseless while others are increasingly concerned that the
governor’s defection could soon become a reality.
“I don’t believe it’s true,” Alhaji Sani Bello, a senior APC
member from Brinin Kebbi Local Government Area said.
“This is just one of those rumours that tend to surface
every election cycle. Governor Idris is too committed to the APC to leave now,
especially after the victory in the last election,” he added.
However, not everyone shares Bello’s optimism. A party
member from the governor’s ward in Nassarawa II, Brinin Kebbi, who wished to
remain anonymous, expressed a more cautious outlook.
“The silence from the government is worrisome. We are deeply
concerned. The situation looks increasingly serious on a daily basis, and if
the governor defects, it could spell the end of APC dominance in Kebbi State. I
fear that the defection might be imminent.”
Another APC stalwart, Ahmed Jibril, who has been involved in
local politics for years, added that the APC’s declining fortunes could lead to
defections.
“It’s possible that Governor Idris is considering joining
forces with Atiku. The APC is fractured in this state and the national level,
and some of us are already looking at alternatives. If the governor makes the
move, others will follow. It’s all about survival in the political game.”
While some members are concerned about Governor Idris’s
alleged defection, there is also growing chatter within the APC about the
possibility of Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami
stepping into the governor’s role in 2027.
Some party members have expressed strong support for Malami,
whom the described as a viable alternative and a leader who could unite the
party in these uncertain times.
Historically, Kebbi has been a stronghold of the APC, but
recent events have exposed the cracks within the party.
Meanwhile, several efforts to reach Kabir Sani-Giant, the
Special Adviser to Governor Nasiru Idris on Power and Politics, were
unsuccessful.
Sani-Giant has remained unreachable following his recent
suspension from the APC.
He was recently suspended for allegedly bringing a snake
into the Government House and intimidating dignitaries and officials.
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