Kebbi 2027: PDP splits over endorsement of Gov Idris re-election

The Kebbi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has split into factions following a controversial push to endorse the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, for a second term in 2027.

This comes as prominent party elders and stakeholders are openly backing Governor Idris’s continuity, while the state chapter disowned the endorsement.

The group, led by former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ishaya Bamaiyi (retd.), made its position known at a gathering of PDP stakeholders and supporters in Birnin Kebbi at the weekend.

Those present included supporters of the party’s 2015 governorship candidate, Gen Bello Yaki (retd.), associates of former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Buhari Bala, and other prominent PDP figures.

The group cited what it described as the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, including road construction and rehabilitation, healthcare, education and empowerment programmes, as reasons for supporting his re-election bid.

They maintained that they will remain in the PDP while working for the governor’s 2027 victory.

However, the state PDP Chairman, Alhaji Usman Bello Suru, rejected the endorsement within 24 hours, saying the party had already selected its candidates for the various elective positions.

The development has further exposed differences within the opposition party over the 2027 governorship election.

The party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Maj.-Gen. Bello Sarkin Yaki (rtd.), has also thrown his weight behind Governor Idris, declaring that there was no alternative to the incumbent based on his record in office.

Sarkin Yaki made his position known while receiving the Kebbi State Governor’s Media Team, led by the Commissioner for Information, Yakubu Ahmed BK, during a courtesy visit as part of the team’s nationwide advocacy tour.

The former governorship candidate praised the governor’s performance, citing the transformation of the state capital, reconstruction of the abandoned Koko-Zuru federal road, construction of township and intercity roads, and the establishment and rehabilitation of hospitals and educational institutions.

He also commended the administration’s welfare and economic empowerment programmes.

Sarkin Yaki said he was yet to identify any individual whose leadership qualities, integrity and record of service could be compared with those of Governor Idris.

“I could not see any individual with a clean bill of health, track record of undisputable leadership qualities, integrity, generosity, sincerity of purpose and demonstrated commitment that can be compared with Kauran Gwandu,” he said.

He urged those opposed to the governor’s continuity to reconsider their position, describing some of the critics as politicians pursuing personal political interests.

“Let me therefore advise the few paperweight politicians that are shamelessly criticising the continuity for selfish political interest to give off and accept the fact that there is no alternative to Governor Idris, before they face painful regret and disgrace,” he added.

Sarkin Yaki called on indigenes of the state who were interested in its development to support the governor’s bid for another term.

He also urged Kebbi residents, irrespective of political affiliation, to support Idris, saying continuity would enable the administration to consolidate its achievements.

The Governor’s Media Team is currently on a nationwide advocacy tour aimed at engaging stakeholders and major media organisations on the administration’s development initiatives.

The conflicting positions within the PDP have, however, raised questions about the party’s position ahead of the 2027 governorship election, particularly following the state chairman’s rejection of the endorsement.