There is currently growing confusion within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State as rumours swirl that Governor Nasiru Idris may be planning to switch allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The uncertainty gained momentum after a viral report named Idris among five APC governors allegedly plotting to join former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Despite the widespread circulation of the report across social media platforms, the Kebbi State government has maintained an unusual silence for more than two days, leaving party members and citizens in suspense.
This extended silence has only deepened concerns within the APC, with many wondering what lies ahead for both the governor and the political stability of the state.
Although the PDP is technically the opposition in Kebbi, it still enjoys significant influence. All three senators representing the state — Adamu Aliero (Kebbi North), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi Central), and Garba Musa Maidoki (Kebbi South) — are PDP members.
Former Governor Adamu Aliero remains a strong political force in Kebbi, despite his shift to the opposition, and is seen as a major player in shaping election outcomes.
Governor Idris, who narrowly clinched victory in the 2023 governorship poll with 52% of the votes, is facing growing pressure from within his party.
The possibility of his defection has already caused a stir, with reports suggesting that some APC figures are holding secret talks with opposition parties like the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to hedge their bets.
In response to the unrest, APC State Chairman Muhammad Zuru warned members to avoid joining “so-called emerging political parties,” stating, “As party members, we must remain loyal and sincerely support both the party and the government.”
The mood within the APC remains mixed. Some members brush off the rumours, believing Governor Idris’s commitment to the party remains firm. “I don’t believe it’s true,” said Alhaji Sani Bello from Brinin Kebbi Local Government Area. “This is just one of those rumours that tend to surface every election cycle.”
However, not everyone shares that confidence. A party member from Governor Idris’s own Nassarawa II ward, speaking anonymously, noted, “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.”
Adding to the concerns, seasoned local politician Ahmed Jibril stated that the cracks in the APC could drive key figures to seek safer political ground.
“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.”
Meanwhile, some APC loyalists are looking ahead to 2027, floating the possibility of Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, stepping in as a unifying candidate should Governor Idris exit.
Kebbi has long been regarded as an APC stronghold, but recent developments suggest that the party’s dominance is increasingly under threat. Meanwhile, efforts to contact Kabir Sani-Giant, Governor Idris’s Special Adviser on Power and Politics, for comments proved unsuccessful.
Sani-Giant has kept a low profile since his recent suspension from the APC over allegations of misconduct involving an incident with a snake at the Government House.
