From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State, under the leadership of Governor Nasir Idris, has gained a significant boost with the defection of 3,936 members from the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) into its fold on Wednesday.
Governor Idris, alongside the State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru, formally welcomed the defectors during a “Thank You Visit” to Suru, Koko-Besse, and Maiyama Local Government Areas. The visit aimed to express gratitude to the people for their support before, during, and after the 2023 general elections.
Among the notable defectors was Alhaji Muhammadu Ruwa RK, former PDP Zonal Vice Chairman for Kebbi North, who led 3,500 PDP members from Dakingari in Suru LGA into the APC. Similarly, in Koko-Besse LGA, 333 key PDP stakeholders were presented to the governor by Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru.
Explaining their decision to defect, Alhaji Muhammadu Ruwa RK and Alhaji Attahiru Abubakar cited Governor Idris’ developmental track record and philanthropic acts as their motivation to join the APC.
In his remarks, the APC State Chairman assured the defectors of fair and equal treatment, urging party executives at the local and ward levels to integrate the new members into party activities as one unified family.
Governor Nasir Idris welcomed the defectors warmly, pledging a level playing field for all APC supporters. He expressed gratitude for the prayers and support of Kebbi residents and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance and service delivery.
The governor highlighted key achievements of his administration, including:
- Completion of the State Ultra-Modern Secretariat Complex
- Construction of township roads in Birnin Kebbi and other towns
- Improved security
- Payment of WAEC and NECO fees for students
Governor Idris emphasised his focus on educational development, announcing that education is now free at all levels, with the state covering registration, tuition, and scholarship fees for secondary and tertiary students.
“My administration is committed to ensuring free education in Kebbi. We have taken on the responsibility of paying for examinations, registration, tuition, and scholarships for our students,” he stated.
Additionally, he announced plans to launch dry-season farming in February, which will involve distributing power tillers, free fertilisers, and water-pumping machines to farmers. The governor also pledged food and grain distribution during Ramadan to ease residents’ burdens.
He assured the crowd of ongoing plans to rehabilitate the Kawara Bridge and confirmed that contracts have been awarded for reconstructing key roads, including Suru-Sangelu, Suru-Shuwaka, Naikenike-Kataru, and Aljanare-Buma roads.
In Maiyama LGA, 103 prominent PDP stalwarts, along with hundreds of their supporters, joined the APC.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Hon. AbdulWasiu Andarai expressed unwavering support for Governor Idris and his vision for transforming Kebbi State.
APC stakeholders from the three LGAs commended Governor Idris for his dedication to good governance and his open-door policy.