From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Barely one week after being endorsed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Kebbi State in the 2027 general elections, Governor Nasir Idris has commenced visits to emirs across the state to seek their blessings.
The first phase of the visit took place over the weekend at the palace of the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Ilyasu Bashar, where the governor was accompanied by prominent APC stakeholders in the state.
According to a statement issued by Abdullahi Idris Sadaukin Zuru, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Kebbi State Governor, the delegation included former Governor Ambassador Sa’idu Nasamu Dakingari, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, APC State Chairman Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Kana Zuru, as well as friends and political associates.
Speaking at the palace, Governor Idris said the visit was to formally inform the Emir about the APC’s unanimous endorsement of himself and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s candidates for the forthcoming elections.
He also sought special prayers for God’s guidance and blessings as they continue with their political activities.
The governor noted that the Emir, being a descendant of the renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Abdullahi Ibn Fodio, holds significant spiritual influence.
Governor Idris stressed that the visit was not for political campaigning, noting that traditional rulers are apolitical and that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not yet authorized campaigns.
He explained that the visit followed a long-standing tradition in the state, recalling that he participated in similar visits to the palace with governorship candidates in 1999, 2007, 2011, and 2015.
The governor added that former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, and most recently President Tinubu, had all paid similar visits to seek prayers and blessings.
Governor Idris, who holds the traditional title of Kauran Gwandu, appealed to the Emir to bless the endorsement of himself and President Tinubu by APC members and pray for God’s guidance toward victory in the elections.
He stated that both he and President Tinubu have maintained cordial relationships with traditional institutions, citing their commitment to improving the welfare of the people.
In his response, the Emir, who is also the Chairman of the Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, expressed appreciation for the visit. He prayed for God’s guidance and assured the delegation that he would remain fair and just to all.
The Emir reminded politicians that public awareness of civic rights has increased and urged them to support candidates with proven capacity and records of selfless service.
From Birnin Kebbi, Governor Idris proceeded to Argungu, where he visited the Emir, Alhaji Samaila Mera. The Emir commended the governor for the achievements recorded by his administration and prayed for continued guidance and blessings.
He also called for peaceful and hitch-free campaigns.
Governor Idris is expected to continue similar visits to the Yauri and Zuru Emirates.
