There is currently growing confusion within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State following widespread rumours that Governor Nasiru Idris may be planning to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The speculation was fueled by a viral report which named Idris among five serving APC governors who are said to be considering joining forces with the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in a bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
However, despite the report going viral on social media, the state government has remained silent on the issue for over 48 hours, fueling speculation that there might be some truth in the rumours.
The prolonged silence has intensified anxiety among party members and residents, who are now left to wonder about the political future of the governor and the state’s political dynamics.
Despite being in the opposition, the PDP has a strong presence in Kebbi State.
The three senators representing the state in the National Assembly – Adamu Aliero (North), Yahaya Abdullahi (Central) and Garba Musa Maidoki (South) – are all members of the PDP.
Amid growing uncertainty surrounding Governor Nasiru Idris’ future in the APC, former Governor Adamu Aliero continues to wield significant influence in Kebbi State politics.
Although Aliero switched to the opposition PDP, his political experience remains undeniable, with many viewing him as a key decider in the state’s electoral outcomes.
This strong representation has given the opposition party a strong foothold in Kebbi.
In the 2023 gubernatorial election, Governor Idris of the APC won by a narrow margin, securing just 52% of the votes to defeat his main rival, retired Army General Aminu Bande of the PDP.
The rumours of Governor Idris’s defection have triggered an internal crisis within the APC, with several party members expressing concern over the future direction of the party.
In particular, some top members have been reported to be in talks with opposition parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in anticipation of a possible defection by the governor.
