Despite widespread praise for his administration’s performance, Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, is expected to face a tougher political contest ahead of the 2027 governorship election as opposition forces regroup under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Supporters of the governor argue that his administration has delivered significantly on campaign promises through investments in infrastructure, education, agriculture, workers’ welfare and social intervention programmes. They also describe Idris as a leader who maintains cordial relations with traditional institutions and adopts an inclusive style of governance.
However, political observers believe the governor’s biggest challenge may come from former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, who is expected to fly the ADC’s flag. Analysts also point to growing political activity in Kebbi South Senatorial District, where some influential figures formerly aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have switched allegiance.
Among those attracting attention is Senator Garba Musa Maidoki, representing Kebbi South, who recently left the APC for the ADC after disagreements within the party. Reports have also linked former Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah with the opposition’s political calculations, fuelling expectations of a more competitive race in the district.
Although Senators Adamu Aliero of Kebbi Central and Yahaya Abdullahi of Kebbi North have returned to the APC, Maidoki has remained with the ADC, insisting that the interests of his constituents influenced his decision.
The lawmaker argued that communities in Kebbi South had not benefited sufficiently from government projects and complained that political decisions affecting the district were largely controlled by influential figures in Birnin Kebbi. He maintained that his primary responsibility was to speak on behalf of the people who elected him and continue demanding greater development for the area.
His position, however, has been rejected by several APC stakeholders.
A party chieftain from Kebbi South, Abdullahi Yelwa, said Governor Idris inherited serious security challenges and had committed enormous resources toward restoring peace. According to him, the administration has consistently supported security agencies with logistics, operational funding and other interventions that have improved safety, enabling many farmers to return to their farms.
Yelwa also dismissed claims that Kebbi South had been neglected, pointing to the reconstruction of the Koko-Dabai road, valued at about ₦64 billion, alongside other development projects executed across the emirate. He stressed that the interests of the entire senatorial district outweigh those of any individual politician.
Similarly, APC Publicity Secretary, Issa Assalafi, expressed confidence that the party would reclaim Kebbi South in 2027. He argued that Maidoki’s victory in the 2023 election resulted largely from divisions within the APC at the time, adding that those disagreements had since been resolved.
Assalafi further maintained that the APC has historically dominated the district since 1999 under different political platforms, insisting that the return of key political stakeholders would strengthen the party’s chances in the next election.
He also highlighted ongoing projects in Zuru Emirate, including road construction and other infrastructure, as evidence of the government’s commitment to the area. According to him, these developments, coupled with appointments and empowerment initiatives, have strengthened public support for Governor Idris.
Meanwhile, another group of APC stakeholders criticised Maidoki’s recent comments, accusing him of failing to provide effective representation despite his time in office. They alleged that the senator had not delivered significant constituency projects or actively participated in consultations aimed at addressing insecurity in Kebbi South.
The group also questioned his frequent movement between political parties, arguing that his changing political affiliations reflected personal ambition rather than commitment to public service. They insisted that the APC remained firmly rooted across Kebbi State and expressed confidence that the party would retain control of the governorship in the 2027 elections despite the growing activities of the ADC.
