Confusion Rocks APC as Defection Rumours Surround Governor Nasiru Idris

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, FirstTVOnline reports.

The speculation gained momentum after a viral report listed Governor Idris among five serving APC governors allegedly considering joining forces with the 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in a bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Despite the widespread circulation of the report on social media, the Kebbi State Government has maintained a conspicuous silence for over 48 hours, further fueling speculation that the rumours may have some truth.

The prolonged silence has heightened anxiety among APC members and residents, who are now uncertain about the governor’s political future and the state’s shifting dynamics.

FirstTVOnline observes that despite being the opposition party in Kebbi, the PDP maintains a formidable presence. The three senators representing Kebbi State — Adamu Aliero (North), Yahaya Abdullahi (Central), and Garba Musa Maidoki (South) — are all members of the PDP.

Former Governor Adamu Aliero, despite his move to the PDP, continues to wield significant influence over Kebbi politics. His political experience and strategic alliances have positioned him as a key figure in determining electoral outcomes within the state.

In the 2023 gubernatorial election, Governor Idris of the APC secured victory by a narrow margin, clinching just 52% of the votes against his main rival, retired Army General Aminu Bande of the PDP. This slim margin reflected the growing strength of the opposition.

Rumours of Governor Idris’s potential defection have triggered an internal crisis within the APC, with some top party members reportedly holding talks with other political parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in anticipation of a political realignment.

The situation has caused widespread uncertainty, particularly in the governor’s own ward, Nassarawa II, where confusion over the future persists.

In an effort to contain the unrest, the APC Chairman in Kebbi State, Muhammad Zuru, issued a public statement warning members against aligning with “so-called emerging political parties,” including the SDP.
“As party members, we must remain loyal and sincerely support both the party and the government,” he cautioned.

In interviews with FirstTVOnline, reactions from APC members were mixed. Some dismissed the rumours as baseless, while others voiced growing fears that the defection could soon become reality.

“I don’t believe it’s true,” said Alhaji Sani Bello, a senior APC member from Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area.
“This is just one of those rumours that surface every election cycle. Governor Idris is too committed to the APC to leave now, especially after winning the last election,” he added.

However, a party member from the governor’s Nassarawa II ward, who preferred anonymity, sounded less confident.
“The silence from the government is worrisome. We are deeply concerned. The situation looks increasingly serious every day. If the governor defects, it could spell the end of APC dominance in Kebbi State,” he warned.

Another APC stalwart, Ahmed Jibril, who has long been active in local politics, added that the APC’s declining fortunes could prompt defections.
“It’s possible that Governor Idris is considering joining forces with Atiku. The APC is fractured at both the state and national levels. Some of us are already exploring alternatives. If the governor makes the move, many will follow. It’s all about political survival,” he said.

Amid the uncertainty, there are growing discussions within the APC about a possible 2027 governorship candidacy for the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami. Some party loyalists see Malami as a strong unifying figure who could stabilize the party.

Historically, Kebbi State has been an APC stronghold, but recent developments have exposed significant cracks within the party structure.

Meanwhile, several attempts to reach Kabir Sani-Giant, the Special Adviser to Governor Nasiru Idris on Power and Politics, were unsuccessful.
Sani-Giant has been unreachable following his suspension from the APC after allegedly bringing a snake into the Government House to intimidate officials and dignitaries.