By Ibrahim A Jombali
Like nightrain, Governor Nasir’s political influence and popularity is touching on so many roofs in the Land of Equity.The political landscape in Kebbi State witnessed another significant realignment on Tuesday as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) strengthened its ranks with the defection of over 10,000 supporters from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), further consolidating Governor Nasir Idris’ growing political influence across the state.
The development, which played out significantly at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, underscored what observers increasingly describe as a growing public endorsement of Governor Idris’ governance philosophy, anchored on infrastructure renewal, human capital development, social investment, and inclusive leadership.
In a practical manifestation of confidence in the administration, the defectors, drawn from different political tendencies and local government areas, declared with resolute confidence that their decision was informed not by political expediency but by what they described as the visible dividends of democracy delivered by the Idris administration.
Receiving the new entrants into the APC family, Governor Idris assured them of equal opportunities and full integration, emphasizing that the ruling party remains an open platform for every Kebbi citizen willing to contribute to the state’s development.
“The APC is a party for the masses,” the governor declared, commending the defectors for what he described as a patriotic decision to identify with a government committed to delivering tangible results.
Rather than dwelling on political rhetoric, Idris pointed to measurable achievements that have defined his administration in the last three years. He cited the recruitment of over 5,000 unemployed youths into the education, health, and civil service sectors, describing the initiative as part of his administration’s deliberate efforts to reduce unemployment and strengthen public institutions.
The governor also highlighted the widespread construction and rehabilitation of general hospitals, primary healthcare centres, primary and secondary schools across the 21 local government areas, alongside the consistent payment of scholarships to Kebbi students studying within and outside Nigeria.
These interventions, many political analysts believe, have gradually transformed public perception of governance in the state and deepened citizens’ confidence in the administration.
Governor Idris equally praised the leadership of the APC in Kebbi for sustaining internal cohesion, urging party officials to embrace the new members as equal stakeholders in the collective mission of building a stronger and more prosperous state.
Earlier, the Acting State Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Adamu Mudi Augie, described the influx of new members as further evidence that the APC remains the preferred political platform in Kebbi
He urged the defectors to actively participate in strengthening the party ahead of future political engagements.
Speaking on behalf of supporters of Senator Garba Musa Maidoki of the ADC, Hon. Bello Doya attributed their defection to Governor Idris’ transparent leadership style and developmental strides.
According to him, the administration’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and people-centred governance convinced them that the APC offers the most credible platform for advancing Kebbi’s development.
In another remarkable boost to the ruling party, the Chairman of the PDP Local Government Association in the state, alongside several PDP local government chairmen, also dumped the opposition party for the APC.
Receiving them, Governor Idris reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice, equity, and inclusiveness, assuring the new members that no distinction would be made between old and new entrants into the party.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating strategic federal projects that are complementing the state’s development efforts.
Speaking for the PDP defectors, the Chairman of Bunza Local Government Area, Alhaji Bello Manti, said Governor Idris’ performance had become impossible to ignore.
Kaura was very emphatic that the administration’s people-oriented programmes, generosity of spirit, and inclusive style of leadership inspired their decision to identify with the APC.
Among the high-profile defectors were the PDP chairmen of Dandi, Koko/Besse, Arewa, Zuru, Ngaski, Yauri, Shanga, Danko-WasaguSakabaAliero local government areas.
Beyond the impressive numbers, the latest defections send a powerful political message: in Kebbi, performance appears to be reshaping political loyalties. As the APC continues to attract supporters across party lines, Governor Nasir Idris is steadily building not merely a larger political coalition but a broader public consensus around his vision for the state.
With barely months into the countdown to the next electoral cycle, the wave of defections reinforces the perception that Kebbi’s political momentum is increasingly tilting towards continuity under Governor Idris and the APC.
Governor Idris has consistently maintained that his only reason for being in politics is to serve the people, touch their lives, shape Kebbi state positively, and drive it to the path of progress and development. So far, and in the last three years, the governor has done just that , and the people are happy and impressed. Little wonder , the opposition keeps shrinking in kebbi state, and the ruling party waxes stronger with every passing day.
Ibrahim Abubakar Jombali
Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment and Orientation
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