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The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State is currently experiencing a rising amount of confusion as a result of persistent rumors that Governor Nasiru Idris may be preparing to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in advance of the general elections in 2027.

A widely circulated story that named Idris as one of five current APC governors who are reportedly thinking of partnering with Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, in an attempt to overthrow President Bola Tinubu in 2027 stoked the rumors.

However, the state government has been silent on the matter for more than 48 hours, which has fueled speculation that there may be some truth to the rumors, even though the report went viral on social media.

Party members and residents are now more anxious as a result of the protracted silence, wondering about the governor’s political future and the political climate of the state.

ZINGTIE noted that the PDP is well-represented in Kebbi State even if it is in the opposition.

The PDP has all three of the state’s senators in the National Assembly: Adamu Aliero (North), Yahaya Abdullahi (Central), and Garba Musa Maidoki (South).

Former Governor Adamu Aliero still has a big say in Kebbi State politics despite the increasing doubts about Governor Nasiru Idris’ future in the APC.

Despite switching to the opposition PDP, Aliero’s political background is still indisputable, and many people believe he played a significant role in determining the state’s election results.

The opposition party now has a solid presence in Kebbi thanks to its high representation.

Governor Idris of the APC defeated his primary opponent, former Army General Aminu Bande of the PDP, in the 2023 gubernatorial election by a slim margin, receiving only 52% of the vote.

There is an internal crisis within the APC as a result of the rumors of Governor Idris’s defection, with many party members worried about the party’s future.

According to reports, some of the top members are specifically in negotiations with opposition parties, such as the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in case the governor decides to defect.

These have caused a great deal of doubt among APC members, particularly in Nassarawa II, the governor’s ward, where there is increasing misunderstanding about what is coming up.

Muhammad Zuru, the chairman of the APC in Kebbi State, warned party members in a public statement against siding with what he dubbed “so-called emerging political parties,” such as the SDP, in an attempt to temper the escalating turmoil.

“As party members, we must remain loyal and sincerely support both the party and the government,” he stated.

Since then, the rumors have caused conflicting responses among the state’s APC members.

While some APC members have brushed off the claims as unfounded in interviews with ZINGTIE, others are growing more worried that the governor’s defection may soon come to pass.

“I don’t believe it’s true,” Alhaji Sani Bello, a senior APC member from Brinin Kebbi Local Government Area said.

“This is just one of those rumours that tend to surface every election cycle. Governor Idris is too committed to the APC to leave now, especially after the victory in the last election,” he added.

But not everyone is as upbeat as Bello. Brinin Kebbi, a party member from Nassarawa II’s governor’s ward who asked not to be named, voiced a more cautious perspective.

“The silence from the government is worrisome. We are deeply concerned. The situation looks increasingly serious on a daily basis, and if the governor defects, it could spell the end of APC dominance in Kebbi State. I fear that the defection might be imminent.”

Ahmed Jibril, a longtime local politician and another APC mainstay, cautioned that defections might result from the party’s deteriorating circumstances.

“It’s possible that Governor Idris is considering joining forces with Atiku. The APC is fractured in this state and the national level, and some of us are already looking at alternatives. If the governor makes the move, others will follow. It’s all about survival in the political game.”

Although some APC members are worried by Governor Idris’s purported defection, there is also increasing discussion within the party about Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami potentially taking over as governor in 2027.

Malami has garnered a lot of support from some party members, who see him as a strong alternative and a leader who can bring the party together during these unsettling times.

Although the APC has historically held sway in Kebbi, recent events have revealed the party’s weaknesses.

Kabir Sani-Giant, Governor Nasiru Idris’s Special Adviser on Power and Politics, was not reached despite multiple attempts.

Since his recent APC suspension, Sani-Giant has not been accessible.

He was recently suspended for reportedly frightening officials and dignitaries by bringing a snake into Government House.

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