Kebbi Gains Justify Backing Tinubu’s Re-Election, Says Aide

The Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to Kebbi State Governor, Abdullahi Idris, has defended Governor Nasir Idris’ support for President Bola Tinubu, saying the governor has both the moral and political responsibility to mobilise massive support for the President’s re-election in 2027.

In a statement made available to journalists on Monday and titled “In Defence of Governor Idris’ Support for President Tinubu,” the governor’s aide, Sadaukin Zuru, said Kebbi State had benefited significantly from its alignment with the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.

He argued that the people of Kebbi freely chose Governor Idris under the APC in the 2023 governorship election, describing the mandate as a vote of confidence in the governor’s labour background, public service record and commitment to development.

“Multi-party democracy gives Nigerians the sovereign right to choose their party and direction. In 2023, the people of Kebbi State made that choice decisively by electing Comrade Governor Nasir Idris under the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he said.

According to him, President Tinubu has strengthened the state’s relationship with the Federal Government by authorising Governor Idris to recommend qualified Kebbi indigenes for appointments to federal boards and commissions.

“After years of hijacking the state’s share of membership of federal boards and commissions, President Tinubu has reversed the situation and authorised Comrade Nasir Idris to recommend credible, experienced and selfless Kebbi indigenes for appointment,” he said.

The governor’s aide also said the President had been receptive to concerns raised by the governor over what he described as the unjust removal or denial of deserving Kebbi indigenes from federal positions.

Sadaukin Zuru further credited the cordial relationship between the state and the Federal Government with strengthening efforts to tackle insecurity, noting that the Federal Government had recognised Governor Idris’ support for security agencies through logistics and financial assistance in the fight against banditry.

He also cited federal agricultural interventions, saying additional food and farming support from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security had complemented the state government’s annual distribution of free farming inputs.

“These gains have proved the fact that Kebbi benefits most when it stands firmly with the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the centre,” he stated.

He maintained that the governor’s support for Tinubu did not undermine citizens’ democratic rights, stressing that every Nigerian remained free to vote according to personal conviction.

“The governor also affirms that every Nigerian retains the constitutional right to vote according to conscience and the track record of the candidate of his or her choice,” he said.

Calling for greater mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, Sadaukin Zuru urged APC members and supporters across Kebbi State to work towards securing another electoral victory for President Tinubu.

“As we approach 2027, Governor Nasir Idris is calling on all APC members and lovers of progress in Kebbi to mobilise massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election. The centre is listening to Kebbi, and we must keep that door open,” he added.