From John Bassey, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State APC Aspirants Forum has declared its full support for Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, for a second term in office, following a reconciliation meeting aimed at strengthening unity within the party.
The forum, made up of All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants who lost during the party’s recent primary elections, made the declaration during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi.
In a statement signed by Comrade Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, and made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi, the forum said it was satisfied with the governor’s leadership style and his willingness to engage with party members.
The Chairman of the forum, Dr Abdul’Aziz Wazata, commended Governor Idris for providing an opportunity for unsuccessful aspirants to express their concerns and contribute ideas towards the progress of the party.
He described the meeting as a rare political gesture in the history of the state.
“From my findings, this is the first time in the history of Kebbi State that a governor has invited those who lost in the primaries and engaged them directly,” Wazata said.
According to him, the governor’s action demonstrated a leadership approach focused on inclusiveness and dialogue.
He assured Governor Idris of the forum’s total support for his re-election bid, adding that members were ready to participate actively in his campaign activities.
Former Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Sama’ila Abdulmumin Kamba, also said the aspirants had accepted the outcome of the primaries and resolved to support the governor.
He noted that in every political contest, only one person emerges victorious, urging party members to unite for the success of the APC.
The Governor’s Adviser on Political Matters and Power, Alhaji Kabiru Sani Giant, stressed that political success depends largely on grassroots support.
He, however, cautioned that some appointees of government were not effectively translating the governor’s goodwill into political mobilisation.
Other speakers, including Prof. Dalladi Mahuta, Garba Manuga Birnin-Tudu and Shehu Natsaye, advised the governor to review the performance of some political appointees who, according to them, needed to do more in supporting the administration.
They praised those who remained committed to the government, noting that no commissioner or special adviser resigned to contest elective positions.
Responding, Governor Nasir Idris said he organised the meeting to directly hear from the aspirants and address concerns being discussed within political circles.
“I invited you to hear directly from you about some complaints making the rounds. I want firsthand information so that we can understand each other,” the governor said.
He urged the aspirants to continue speaking openly, assuring them that their views would help strengthen the administration.
Governor Idris also highlighted his administration’s wider inclusion in governance, stating that while the previous administration appointed nine commissioners, his government expanded the number to 27.
On the 2027 presidential election, the governor appealed to Kebbi residents to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing ongoing federal projects in the state.
He listed projects including the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, Koko–Besse–Dabai–Zuru Road, Malando–Wara Road and other infrastructure initiatives as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to Kebbi State.
