2027 Confusion Rocks Kebbi APC Amid Rumours of Governor Idris Defecting to Atiku’s Coalition
Tension is escalating within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State following widespread speculation that Governor Nasiru Idris may defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speculation Intensifies Over Political Shift
The rumours gained momentum after a viral report listed Governor Idris among five APC governors allegedly considering an alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027. The Kebbi State government’s prolonged silence on the matter has further fueled uncertainty among party members and residents.
Political Landscape in Kebbi
While the APC currently controls the state government, the PDP maintains significant influence in Kebbi. All three senators representing the state—Adamu Aliero (Kebbi North), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi Central), and Garba Musa Maidoki (Kebbi South)—belong to the opposition party. Former Governor Adamu Aliero, now a PDP stalwart, remains a powerful political figure in the state.
Narrow Victory and Internal Tensions
Governor Idris secured a narrow victory in the 2023 gubernatorial election, winning 52% of the votes against PDP’s retired Army General Aminu Bande. This slim margin, coupled with current internal tensions, has left the APC vulnerable to potential political shifts.
Sources within the APC reveal that top members are already engaging with other political groups, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), amid fears that Idris’s rumoured defection could trigger a mass exodus.
Party Leadership Responds
Kebbi APC Chairman Muhammad Zuru has urged members to remain loyal, warning against associating with “so-called emerging political parties” like the SDP. However, grassroots members remain divided, with some dismissing the rumours as pre-election propaganda while others express genuine concern.
“I don’t believe it’s true,” said Alhaji Sani Bello, a senior APC figure. “Governor Idris is too committed to the APC to jump ship after securing victory.”
Potential Consequences and Contingency Plans
Some APC members are reportedly considering former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami as a potential replacement candidate should Idris defect. Malami is viewed by some as a unifying figure capable of restoring stability to the party.
Efforts to reach Kabir Sani-Giant, Special Adviser to Governor Idris on Power and Politics, for comments were unsuccessful. Sani-Giant remains unreachable following his suspension from the APC.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As the Kebbi APC grapples with growing uncertainty, the rumoured defection threatens to significantly alter the political landscape in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
Full credit to the original publisher: The Herald