The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kebbi State appears to be heading for a fresh internal crisis ahead of the 2027 governorship election, following a public declaration of support for Governor Nasir Idris of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by a group of prominent PDP stakeholders.
The group, led by former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi (retd.), announced its support for the governor at a gathering of PDP stakeholders and supporters held in Birnin Kebbi over the weekend.
Among those associated with the group were supporters of the PDP’s 2015 governorship candidate, Gen. Bello Yaki (retd.), as well as associates of former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Buhari Bala, and other notable members of the party.
Speaking at the gathering, Bamaiyi said the group’s decision was based on its assessment of Governor Idris’ performance, particularly his administration’s focus on infrastructure and development across the state.
“For the 2027 elections, we are now fully committed to the victory of Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu,” Bamaiyi declared.
Despite the endorsement, Bamaiyi stressed that the group had no intention of leaving the PDP, arguing that political decisions could change in response to prevailing circumstances.
He maintained that developments within the PDP at the national level should not prevent individual politicians from taking decisions they believe would serve the best interests of Kebbi State.
Also speaking, Buhari Bala said their years of experience in Nigeria’s political development had made it difficult for them to remain silent in the face of what he described as Governor Idris’ “patriotic and selfless leadership.”
Bala specifically praised the governor’s infrastructural projects and efforts to transform Birnin Kebbi, saying the achievements had convinced the group to support his continued stay in office beyond 2027.
The development, however, has reportedly created a fresh point of disagreement within the Kebbi PDP, as the state chapter has distanced itself from the endorsement.
The party’s position suggests that the declaration by Bamaiyi and his associates does not represent the official position of the Kebbi State PDP.
Reacting to the development, Governor Nasir Idris expressed appreciation to the PDP stakeholders and their supporters for the confidence reposed in his administration.
The governor said the declaration was an indication of what he described as growing support for his leadership and development agenda.
The endorsement is expected to further stir political calculations in Kebbi ahead of the 2027 governorship election, particularly as opposition parties begin positioning themselves for the contest.
