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From Ola Muhammad, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor Dr Nasir Idris has received members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Legacy Group from the 21 local government areas of the state who have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defectors, comprising prominent ADC members, including candidates for the House of Representatives and State House of Assembly, were formally received by the governor at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi.
The defectors attributed their decision to join the APC to the developmental strides of the Idris administration, its commitment to human capital development and its interventions across key sectors of the state, as well as the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration at the federal level.
Addressing the defectors, Governor Idris urged them to put their trust in Almighty Allah, stressing that political leadership and positions are ultimately determined by God.
The governor narrated his own political journey, saying his emergence as governor of Kebbi State was not the product of the influence of any individual but a manifestation of divine will.
He cautioned that purchasing nomination forms does not guarantee electoral victory, stressing that while anyone can obtain a nomination form, victory ultimately depends on the will of the people and the grace of Almighty Allah.
“Having a form does not mean that someone will automatically get the nomination. Anybody can buy a form, but Allah is the one who gives leadership. The Hausa people say, ‘Are you on the ballot?’ In Nigeria, it is God who ultimately decides,” the governor said.
Governor Idris recalled his journey from a primary school teacher to becoming a national leader of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), his years in the labour movement and his eventual emergence as governor of Kebbi State.
He said his electoral victory, subsequent victories at the tribunal and Court of Appeal, as well as the continued support of the people, were clear indications that leadership is ultimately ordained by God.
The governor said his administration had continued to reduce the economic and social burden on citizens through interventions in education, agriculture, workers’ welfare and other critical sectors.
“Every sector, we are improving it. In education, whether primary, tertiary, colleges of education or state universities, we are supporting them. We have paid school fees to make education more affordable,” he said.
Governor Idris also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting farmers and other vulnerable members of society, saying the government had subsidised agricultural inputs and provided various forms of assistance to improve livelihoods.
He assured the people that his administration would continue to support farmers, pay examination fees and implement programmes designed to improve the welfare and economic wellbeing of citizens.
On security, Governor Idris said his administration had taken substantial measures to complement the efforts of federal security agencies by providing operational vehicles, supporting local vigilantes and facilitating the deployment of additional security personnel across the state.
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He disclosed that the number of soldiers operating in the state had increased from about 1,000 to more than 2,000, alongside the deployment of mobile police and DSS personnel and the establishment of additional security formations.
Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and APC candidate for Ngaski/Yauri/Shanga Federal Constituency, Hon Dr Tanko Yusuf Sununu, commended Governor Idris for maintaining an open platform for APC members and welcoming people from across the political divide.
He said the defectors had carefully assessed the situation in Kebbi State and concluded that joining hands with Governor Idris was in the best interest of the state.
“Many people have asked about the vision and objectives of our leaders. They have now understood the direction of the governor and have come forward publicly to demonstrate their commitment. We thank His Excellency for his open-door policy and pray that Almighty Allah makes this initiative beneficial to Kebbi State,” Sununu said.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Politics and Power, Alhaji Kabiru Sani Giant, described Governor Idris as a leader known for honesty, integrity and keeping his promises.
He urged the new APC members to remain committed to the party and work harmoniously with existing members to strengthen the party and contribute to the continued development of Kebbi State.
The APC State Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kana Zuru, welcomed the defectors into the party, saying their decision demonstrated growing confidence in the leadership of Governor Idris.
He urged them to work with existing APC members in unity and assured them that their interests would be given due consideration as the party continues to strengthen its structures across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the ADC Legacy Group, Bala Manga Zuru said the defectors had carefully assessed the performance of Governor Idris before deciding to support his administration beyond partisan considerations.
“We saw the incredible development work and good deeds that Your Excellency is carrying out in the state. It is not about political parties or opposition; it is about who genuinely wants the progress of the state,” he said.
He pledged that the defectors would mobilise their supporters across the state in support of Governor Idris and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence that the developmental strides recorded in Kebbi would continue beyond 2027.
Also speaking, Hajiya Asma’u Nuhu, who represented the women among the defectors from Yauri, reaffirmed the support of women for Governor Idris and pledged to mobilise women across the state in support of his re-election in 2027.
She attributed the women’s support to the governor’s leadership and commitment to the welfare of the people, assuring him that women would remain steadfast in their support.
She, however, appealed to the governor to give greater consideration to women in government appointments and other areas of governance.
“We are asking His Excellency to include women in various sectors of the administration. Women have always stood with you during elections, and we are assuring you that, by God’s grace, you will not lose votes; you will gain more,” she said.
