GOVERNOR IDRIS AND KEBBI POLITICS: LESS WE FORGET
By Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi
As Nigeria’s democracy evolves from 1999 to 2023, despite its fair share of turbulence, a new crop of leaders with proven selflessness and commitment to unity and development continues to emerge. One such figure is Comrade Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State.
A product of grassroots engagement, Governor Idris began his political journey as a one-man squad devoted to improving the wellbeing of his immediate community. As a trained teacher, he first found his voice in labour unionism, passionately fostering better relations between educators and communities, and actively promoting the value of education across Kebbi State.
His tenure as a leader in the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) was defined by his tireless advocacy for improved working conditions and educational standards. While fulfilling his responsibilities, he also managed a thriving medium-scale business, which he used to support vulnerable members of his community—providing learning materials and support to teachers and students alike.
It is important to recall that in recognition of his sterling contribution to education, the Emir of Gwandu and Chairman of Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Muhammadu Ilyasu Bashar, conferred upon him the traditional title of Kauran Gwandu. Similarly, the Kebbi State Government named a school in Birnin Kebbi after him—Kauran Gwandu Model Primary and Secondary School.
These recognitions are among the many humanitarian footprints that positioned Comrade Idris for greater responsibility, culminating in his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate and his overwhelming victory in the 2023 general elections.
Since assuming office, Governor Idris has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to inclusive governance. He consults widely with key stakeholders to ensure that policies are people-centered and impactful. This approach has yielded tangible progress across critical sectors—education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment—within just two years.
Indeed, the foundation of his success is rooted in visionary planning, continuity of existing policies, prudent resource management, and transparent governance. His open-door policy and fair distribution of projects have set him apart.
His achievements have not gone unnoticed. At the opening ceremony of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, remarked:
“Although I am not a politician, the truth must be told: since the inception of this democratic era, I am unaware of any state where a governor has successfully united all his predecessors for the good of the state—just as Governor Nasir Idris has done.”
Also, APC National Chairman, Dr. Umar Ganduje, identified Governor Idris as one of “the three most outstanding and hardworking governors of the party.”
Similarly, former Governor Adamu Aliero recently admitted during the launch of the book “Mr Project”:
“I’ve seen the commendable developments by Governor Nasir Idris. My fear is that his achievements may affect the chances of my party, the PDP.”
Another former Governor, Alhaji Sa’idu Nasamu Dakingari, asserted:
“If all former governors had two-term tenures, I wonder what would stop Nasir Idris, given what he has done in just two years.”
Even Senator Atiku Bagudu, the current Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and former Governor of the state, acknowledged:
“I thank Allah for answering my prayers—granting my successor the wisdom and commitment to achieve even more than I did.”
Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji, Chairman of the newly established North West Development Commission, also revealed:
“We have been advised to use Governor Idris’ infrastructure development model as a case study for our own projects.”
With this unprecedented goodwill and widespread public support, Governor Idris’ continuity beyond 2027 seems not only feasible but highly probable, by the grace of Allah.
As such, Kebbi State must be excluded from talks of any looming national coalition aimed at challenging APC strongholds. The only opposition party that once had a foothold—the PDP—has lost all ground, its state offices now abandoned and overtaken by rodents and insects.
What may arise instead is a coalition of Abuja-based political contractors, known for misleading aspiring politicians into believing they command mass followership in Kebbi. Election results have consistently exposed their deception.
Supported by:
Abdullahi Idris Zuru
Special Adviser to the Kebbi State Governor on Communication and Strategy