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By Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
To Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, he has done 90 per cent of what the electorate expected of him. Improving infrastructure facilities across the state and the empowerment of vulnerable citizens were said to be among the aspects in which Idris has excelled, beyond the twinkle of his critics’ lens.
The former NUT national president was also adjudged best in the areas of workers’ welfare, education, agriculture, and respect for elders and traditional rulers in the state.
However, despite all these, coupled with the open door policy his administration is operating towards all and the heart of forgiveness he exhibits for those who have offended him, it seems that “Kaura Gwandu”, as he is fondly called, would not only have to battle ADC governorship candidate Abubakar Chika Malami in the 2027 general elections, but the incumbent Governor would also have to overcome political hurdles laid before him ahead of the polls by familiar bigwigs from Kebbi South Senatorial District.
Many political pundits noted that Idris must avoid another inconclusive poll by working hard to defeat the duo of former APC chieftains such as Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, who was said to be the running mate of Malami, and Senator Musa Maidoki, who recently defected to ADC from APC in Kebbi South Senatorial District, their home base.
It could be recalled that Senator Muhammadu Adamu Aleiro, representing Kebbi Central, and Senator Abdullahi Yahyah, representing Kebbi North Senatorial District, have all returned to APC, except Senator Maidoki, a sitting Senator from Kebbi South Senatorial District who has defected to ADC after falling out with the ruling party’s main bloc.
While reacting to his defection, Senator Maidoki claimed that he joined ADC because his constituency had not benefited from the Kebbi Government. He also accused Birnin Kebbi politicians of deciding who is to contest in any elections in the state.
According to him, “I have nothing against him (the Governor). But my people, who sent me here, asked me to cry, and I cried, and I will continue to do so for their benefit and the benefit of the state and Nigeria generally.
“All I want is for the dividends of democracy to reach my people. We will continue to work. It might take a while, but Inshallah, they will get the dividends. My people are with me. We have no doubt about that. One of the issues, particularly for Kebbi South, is that I find it difficult that people from Kebbi Central, especially Birnin Kebbi, think they can sit down in Birnin Kebbi and decide who contests elections.”
However, a stakeholder of APC in Kebbi South Senatorial District, Alhaji Abdullahi Yelwa, noted that Maidoki has to blame himself, not Governor Idris or Birnin Kebbi politicians, for whatever has befallen him.
According to him, “Governor Idris is not the architect of insecurity in Kebbi South or Kebbi State generally. He inherited it, and he has spent huge resources to change the narrative. In the entire North West region, show me any sitting Governor who has mobilised security agencies like Governor Idris. It is when you move closer to him that one will realise the Governor is always saddened by seeing his people killed by bandits. He always provides logistics, mobility and a monthly stipend to those on the front lines. Before, insecurity had worsened to the extent that farmers could not go to their farms. But today, our farmers are going to their farms and harvesting their crops. Why is Maidoki crying wolf?
“Secondly, if you can remember, the three Senators from Kebbi met President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a few months ago, and they agreed to return to APC. Now, Senator Muhammadu Adamu Aleiro, representing Kebbi Central, is back in APC. Senator Yahyah Abdullahi from Kebbi North is back in APC, and they always attend stakeholders’ meetings of APC.
Senator Maidoki refused to attend APC meetings. Senator Maidoki claimed on some occasions that he did not want to contest; if so, why can he not stay in APC and support the party? We in Kebbi South Senatorial District appreciate the sacrifice of Governor Idris to restore peace in our emirate.
“Look, to be sincere here, Zuru people could not sleep in Zuru town with both eyes closed before Governor Idris was elected. Bandits had surrounded our people over there. He mobilised resources, and security agencies chased them away. Again, we have a terrible road from Koko to Dabai in Zuru Emirate. Before the late Emir of Zuru died, Governor Idris flagged off the reconstruction of the road, and the situation has since changed. That road alone is worth about N64 billion.
“Lastly, Senator Maidoki should know that Zuru is not the only place that constitutes Kebbi South. Yauri, Shanga, Warra and Ngaski are in Yauri Emirate, which is part of Kebbi South. Our general interest is bigger than Maidoki’s interest. We have four emirates in Kebbi: Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri and Zuru. In the past, Gwandu, Argungu and Yauri emirates have always been in the government at the centre, and it has paid them. We know what to do, and we shall not be an opposition zone again. We must be in the ruling party, in government, to continue to benefit from the dividends of democracy.”
In his reaction to whether APC could win Zuru Emirate after the defection of Senator Maidoki, the Kebbi State Publicity Secretary of APC, Alhaji Issa Assalafi, explained that since 1999, a bloc of stakeholders who decided which party would win Zuru Emirate has always been in the ruling party. He noted that Senator Maidoki won the election in 2023 due to disunity in APC, and that the bloc of stakeholders has returned to APC.
According to him, APC can win Kebbi South Senatorial District, just as it has always won the zone in the past. “Do not forget, it was only during the 2023 election, when our house was divided, that Maidoki was able to win that election. But that zone has always been won by our bloc. What I mean here is that, since 1999, when Senator Muhammadu Adamu Aleiro was the Kebbi State Governor under APP, we won that senatorial district, which our senatorial candidate, Senator Usman Katanga, won.
“In 2003, our bloc won through Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah. In 2007, we migrated from ANPP to PDP with Senator Adamu Aleiro; our bloc won that Senate seat under Governor Adamu Aleiro, and General Tanko Ayuba from Sakaba LGA also won the seat for our bloc. Later, in 2011, we presented General Muhammad Mogoro, and he won the election; and we presented General Bala Ibn Na’Allah in 2015, and he won. However, in 2023, Maidoki won the election because our house was divided. Now, those blocs of stakeholders are back in APC, and they will spring a surprise.”
Assalafi further said that no local government area or emirate in the state had a single project costing N64 billion being executed in its domain, as Zuru Emirate does. He noted that a single road from Koko to Dabai in Zuru Emirate cost about N64 billion and is being executed by the state government.
He disclosed that there were many other projects the state government was carrying out in Zuru Emirate, the home base of Maidoki, which had endeared the electorate to the ruling party, APC, over the past three years under Governor Idris.
“Apart from that, when the Emir of Zuru died, this Governor held the best funeral prayers and ceremony for the late Emir and appointed the most popular successor. A lot of developmental projects are ongoing in Zuru Emirate. So, we are optimistic that APC will win Zuru Emirate as well as Kebbi South Senatorial District.
“Do not forget, too, that the late Speaker of the House of Assembly was from Zuru, and he did a lot of work there before his demise, including many empowerment schemes. The new Speaker is also from that axis. Currently, our senatorial candidate from Kebbi South, Major General (rtd) Jafar Gajere, is from Zuru Emirate, and for the past two decades he has been an active philanthropist in that area. Therefore, APC will emerge victorious in that area through the hard work of Governor Idris and the contribution of other stakeholders, which are very visible to the electorate. Our party is very strong in Kebbi Central and North, and Kebbi South would not be a stumbling block.”
While distancing themselves from Senator Maidoki’s position on the Kebbi State Government, a group of stakeholders in APC, whom Maidoki left for ADC, noted that the Senator from Kebbi South was a liability even when he was in APC. They noted that Maidoki cannot be a stumbling block for APC in Kebbi South during the 2027 general elections.
The stakeholders, in a statement made available to newsmen by the Special Adviser to the Kebbi Governor on Communication and Strategy, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Zuru, entitled “Kebbi APC Stakeholders Berate Senator Maidoki”, noted that the Senator’s outburst was a result of his frustration over his failure to deliver to the Kebbi South Senatorial District as an elected Senator representing the area.
According to him, “the stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State have, after a critical analysis of the recent deceptive outburst of Senator Garba Musa Maidoki, representing Kebbi South, discovered elements of political immaturity, insensitivity to the plight of his constituents and selfishness in the conduct of his political career.
“It further revealed that his alleged consistent shedding of crocodile tears in the media, pretending to be worried by the security challenges in Zuru, are born of frustration over a growing disconnect with his constituents. Since 1999, Kebbi has largely elected representatives with demonstrated experience and verifiable contributions to community development, in view of the fact that in a developing democracy like ours, track record, sincerity of purpose and capacity to deliver remain the true test for any aspirant,” the stakeholders noted.
Zuru quoted the stakeholders as saying that Senator Maidoki’s venture into partisan politics under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, and, one year later, his decamping to the All Progressives Congress (APC) before jumping to another party, showed that he was a liability.
“Stakeholders alleged that one year into his tenure, he had yet to present verifiable constituency projects or direct support to communities, including victims affected by insecurity in Kebbi South, for whom he claimed to have sympathy. It further alleged that he has never attended several state and emirate-level consultative meetings convened to address security challenges, particularly in Zuru Emirate.
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“Leadership in times of insecurity demands presence, not press statements,” the statement noted. “Crocodile tears cannot substitute for engagement with victims or support to security agencies on the ground.”
On the claims of being denied an APC ticket, the stakeholders clarified that Senator Maidoki was not a member of the party at the time the primaries were conducted, and therefore could not have been denied participation.
The stakeholders also faulted the Senator for dragging the Emir of Zuru Emirate into politics in his remarks, stressing that it was “irresponsible”.
“Senator Maidoki was reminded of the popularity and undisputable acceptability of the Emir among the people of Zuru Emirate since he was enthroned to date. Politics requires integrity, service and humility. The people of Kebbi South deserve representation anchored on results, not rhetoric.”
The elders drew the attention of the paperweight politicians, the likes of Senator Maidoki in the opposition political parties in the state, to the unprecedented support being enjoyed by Comrade Governor Nasir Idris from the people of Kebbi State, which has equally contributed to the APC-controlled administration’s achievements that have made the people insist on his continuity in 2027.
The stakeholders therefore advised Senator Maidoki, who is alleged to be a political liability, to take responsibility for his political misfortune, which has eventually resulted in the catastrophic somersault of his political career.
Alhaji Aminu Mustapha, former ADC Coordinator in Jega Local Government Area and former House of Representatives aspirant for the Aliero/Gwandu/Jega Federal Constituency, while speaking recently after his defection alongside his supporters, noted that it would be a herculean task to say APC would not win in Kebbi State.
He explained that APC has demonstrated a genuine commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and remains the political party with the grassroots support and national spread needed to meet the aspirations of the people.
At different fora, Governor Idris has consistently explained that it was Senator Maidoki who refused to attend APC meetings and stakeholders’ meetings without any excuse. Idris explained that he refused to contact anybody on the reasons he isolated himself from the party, while the two other Senators from the state have been working hard for the success of APC since their return.
Besides Senator Maidoki, however, Abubakar Chika Malami and Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah are also formidable figures in the state whom the ruling party has not underestimated. It was not yet clear whether Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah had accepted to be running mate to Malami in the 2027 gubernatorial election.
While speaking on the relevance of Malami and Na’Allah in Kebbi politics, Engr Abubakar Atiku Musa, Deputy Publicity Secretary of ADC in Kebbi State, insisted that the former AGF, Senator Maidoki and Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah still have strong influence in the state.
According to him, “If one wants to assess the political strength of Abubakar Malami, SAN, the first step is to examine his background, achievements and contributions, and then compare them with those of his political rival, His Excellency the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Nasiru Idris (Kauran Gwandu). Abubakar Malami, SAN, is a prominent politician known for his patience, resilience and extensive experience. Although he is a distinguished lawyer by profession, he has also built a remarkable political career. His perseverance and dedication eventually earned him the position of Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice of Nigeria.
“During his tenure in that office, he was instrumental in helping thousands of people from Kebbi State to secure employment in various federal government agencies. He also assisted many individuals in obtaining promotions and appointments. In addition, he established community support organisations such as Khadimiya, the Malami Sports Organisation, Women Wings, and several other initiatives aimed at supporting young people, women and vulnerable members of society.
“Furthermore, he invested significantly in Kebbi State by establishing various businesses and institutions, including a rice processing factory, hotels, sports facilities, fitness centres, poultry farms, the Rayahan Security Guard Squad, primary and secondary schools, a university, and Islamic schools. These projects have created employment opportunities and contributed to the economic development of the state.
“It has also been publicly reported that Governor Dr Nasiru Idris himself once praised Abubakar Malami, SAN, for the assistance he had previously received from him. In my opinion, this acknowledgement reflects Malami’s reputation for supporting others.”
Musa noted that, with his structures and huge investment in Kebbi, Malami enjoys considerable popularity and possesses the experience necessary to pose a significant challenge to any political party or candidate in Kebbi State.
He said: “Regarding Dr Nasiru Idris (Kauran Gwandu), there is no doubt that he is an experienced educationist who served as the national President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) before becoming Governor. However, in my view as a commentator, the public should continue to evaluate the contributions of both sides in terms of job creation, economic development and improving the welfare of the people of Kebbi State. One issue that may be raised is that Governor Dr Nasiru Idris is not widely associated with attracting major investments or bringing notable private investors into the state to promote economic development. Similarly, some observers argue that there has not yet been a clearly articulated development agenda or publicly documented policy framework outlining how his administration intends to govern Kebbi State under the current circumstances. Therefore, people should carefully observe what is happening and make their own judgement based on the evidence before them.
“In conclusion, my opinion is that Alhaji Abubakar Malami, SAN, possesses the experience, track record and political strength that could make him a formidable candidate in the Kebbi State governorship election. Ultimately, however, the decision rests with the people of Kebbi State, who will choose the person they believe is best suited to lead them, as they have already begun to demonstrate through the outcome of the recent Zuru election.”
Musa claimed that Malami has a chance of defeating the incumbent Governor due to the APC’s internal crisis and the defection of APC bigwigs to ADC.
Speaking on the influence of both Senator Maidoki and Senator Na’Allah in Zuru Emirate and Kebbi South Senatorial District, Musa explained that whoever underrates them has made a big political mistake.
He said: “Yes, absolutely. The reason is that Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah and Senator Musa Maidoki are among the most influential political figures in Zuru Emirate. It is fair to say that almost every prominent politician in the Zuru area has, at one point or another, been politically associated with one of them. Furthermore, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah played a significant role in building and strengthening APC in Kebbi State. Therefore, their decision to leave the party is likely to have a considerable political impact.
“For this reason, their joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State is a major boost for the party. Having experienced and influential politicians like Bala Ibn Na’Allah and Musa Maidoki in the ADC is expected to strengthen the party’s position, especially as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.”
However, the Special Adviser to the Kebbi Governor on Communication and Strategy, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Zuru, dismissed the defection rumour concerning Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah. He noted that Senator Na’Allah remains an active member of APC and continues to participate in party activities, including the recent Zuru Federal Constituency Consultative
Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Zuru.
Speaking on Senator Garba Musa Maidoki’s exit, Zuru said the electorate in his constituency celebrated his defection, and that he could not be a stumbling block for APC in Zuru Emirate. He said: “Senator Maidoki’s exit from APC, which many viewed as a liability to the party, was widely celebrated by his constituents because of his alleged nonchalant attitude and insensitivity to their needs. As for the aspiration of Abubakar Malami for the Kebbi State governorship seat, it is considered a futile attempt. Apart from the alleged demonstration of greed, deception and empty promises during his eight-year tenure as Attorney General and Minister of Justice under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, there is also the widely held belief that, despite the alleged accumulation of wealth and properties now reportedly under investigation by the ICPC, EFCC and DSS, Abubakar Malami has no record of visible and beneficial support for individuals or communities in Kebbi State.
“How can such ambitious, desperate and self-serving politicians compete with Comrade Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, adjudged the best Governor Kebbi has ever had and among the most performing Governors in Nigeria, in view of the unprecedented development that has transformed the socio-economic wellbeing of the people of Kebbi State?”
He added that, in Kebbi State, this awareness has led the people to resolve that they will no longer consider a candidate’s past titles or the size of their accumulated wealth; instead, they will focus on a track record of integrity, honesty and selfless service to the community.
