Kebbi Governor's Aide Details Reasons for Backing Tinubu's 2027 Candidacy

The Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to Kebbi State Governor, Abdullahi Idris, recently articulated the reasons behind Governor Nasir Idris's staunch support for President Bola Tinubu's prospective re-election bid in 2027. In a statement released to journalists on Monday, titled "In Defence of Governor Idris’ Support for President Tinubu," the aide, also known as Sadaukin Zuru, asserted that the governor is bound by both moral and political obligations to galvanise widespread support for the President's second term.

Sadaukin Zuru highlighted the considerable advantages Kebbi State has reaped from its close association with the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government. He pointed out that the people of Kebbi State freely elected Governor Idris under the APC platform during the 2023 governorship election, interpreting this mandate as a clear vote of confidence in the governor's extensive labour background, public service track record, and dedication to progress. He quoted, "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)."

Furthermore, the aide emphasised how President Tinubu has fortified the state's relationship with the central government. This includes authorising Governor Idris to put forward qualified indigenes of Kebbi for appointments to federal boards and commissions, a move described as a reversal of a long-standing practice where the state's share of such positions was "hijacked." Sadaukin Zuru stated, "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 added that the President has also shown readiness to address concerns raised by the governor regarding the unfair removal or denial of federal positions to deserving Kebbi indigenes.

The strong rapport between the state and the Federal Government has also been instrumental in bolstering efforts to combat insecurity, according to Sadaukin Zuru. He noted that the Federal Government has acknowledged Governor Idris’s logistical and financial contributions to security agencies in the ongoing fight against banditry. Additionally, he mentioned federal agricultural interventions, where supplementary food and farming assistance from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security have complemented the state government's annual distribution of free farming inputs.

These achievements, Sadaukin Zuru argued, underscore the fact that Kebbi benefits most when it maintains a firm stance with the APC at the national level. He affirmed, "These gains have proved the fact that Kebbi benefits most when it stands firmly with the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the centre."

The governor’s aide clarified that Governor Idris’s endorsement of President Tinubu does not infringe upon citizens' democratic rights, stressing that every Nigerian retains the freedom to vote according to their personal convictions. He reiterated, "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."

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Sadaukin Zuru called for intensified mobilisation efforts. He implored APC members and supporters across Kebbi State to actively work towards securing another electoral triumph 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 concluded.