Mass defection to APC hits opposition parties in Kebbi

By: John Bassey, Kebbi.

Mass defection into the All Progressive Congress has shaken the roots of opposition parties in Kebbi, as two younger brothers of the former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Alhaji Abubakar Chika Mallami, SAN, have formally defected from the African Democratic Congress, AD,C to APC.

The brothers, Mustapha Mallami Khadi and Sa’adu Malami Khadi, defected alongside over one thousand supporters

Receiving the defectors at Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi on Monday during the endorsement ceremony of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Kebbi State Governor Comrade Dr.Nasir Idris for their 2027 re-election, organized by the Nigeria NURTW.

Receiving the defectors, the APC Chairman in Kebbi State, Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru, said they had taken a wise decision by leaving their former party to join the ruling APC.

He appreciated their decision and assured them that the party leadership and the State Governor would continue to support them and treat them equally with existing party members.

Kana-Zuru highlighted some of the achievements of the state government to include the recruitment of 2,000 youth teachers, an increase in school feeding funds from N150 to N300 million, and the extension of teachers’ years of service, among others.

The chairman assured the defecting of equal treatment within the party, noting that their decision to join the APC would never be in vain.

“I have nothing to say but to commend your courage and boldness in joining this administration and deciding to work with it to take the state to greater heights,” he said.

In his remarks, Gov. Idris said his administration had fulfilled about 90 per cent of the campaign promises made during the 2023 electioneering period.

He expressed pride in the NURTW for the consistent support it had given him throughout his political journey, even before he became governor.

“We are proud of the NURTW because of the support it has given me throughout my political journey.

“When I was President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), there was cordial support and cooperation between NUT and NURTW on issues affecting national and members’ interests,” he said.

Governor Idris stated that his administration embarked on aggressive infrastructural development aimed at making Birnin Kebbi comparable to other state capitals across the country.

“As a government, we have fulfilled about 90 per cent of our campaign promises.

“We recruited teachers, distributed farm inputs to farmers, and provided grains to cushion the effects of economic challenges faced by our people.

“We are also set to distribute power tillers, herbicides, and fertilizers free of charge to over 50,000 beneficiaries,” he said.

The governor further disclosed that his administration was constructing roads linking major towns and markets in Malando-Warra, Ngaski, Bagudo and Arewa Local Government Areas, respectively.

“We do not deceive our people. Whatever project we claim to have executed can be verified.

“We met schools and critical infrastructure in deplorable conditions and have taken decisive steps to address them.

“Some people may not be happy with our giant developmental strides, but we will continue undeterred,” Idris said.

Governor Idris thanked the leadership and members of the NURTW for their unalloyed support to his administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Earlier, the NURTW declared its support for President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Nasir Idris in the 2027 general elections as sacrosanct.

The Chairman, National President NURTW, Alhaji Najeem Usman-Yasin, said his visit to Kebbi was to appreciate the Governor for the good works he has been doing for the people of Kebbi, particularly members of the union.

“We have no state across Nigeria that provides a softer landing for NURTW members like Kebbi.

“We are here to show solidarity, support, and encouragement for what you have already started.

“ After Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, you are the governor that labour is proud of. We are happy with the way and manner the people of Kebbi are supporting you,” he said.

“I have gone round Nigeria, and I am assuring everyone here that the motor park reconstructed by you was one of the best in the country,” he assured.

The chairman urged members to ensure that they obtain and validate their PVCs ahead of the 2027 general elections, assuring that the union would double the votes cast for Governor Idris and President Tinubu compared to the 2023 elections.

On security, Usman-Yasin commended the governor’s courage in raising the question: “Who ordered the soldiers to leave their duty post less than an hour before the Maga school attack?’

At the event, the newly elected Chairman of the Tipper branch of NURTW in Kebbi, along with his other executive members, was sworn in by the national president of the union.

The union presented awards of excellence to Gov. Idris and President Tinubu in recognition of their performance in infrastructural development, particularly road construction, in the state and the country at large.

The occasion also featured the defection of the two brothers of former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)