By: John Bassey, Kebbi.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to arrive in Kebbi State next week for a one-day working visit.

The Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, disclosed this on Sunday while receiving a former PDP stalwart, Hon. Aliyu Manager, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside his supporters.

The defectors were formally received at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi.

According to Governor Idris, President Tinubu’s visit is aimed at attending the 2026 Argungu International Fishing Festival and commissioning some key projects executed by the APC-led administration in the state.

“Therefore, I want to use this medium to call on all residents of Kebbi State to come out en masse to warmly welcome Mr President. We are now confident that Kebbi State belongs to the APC, and this is a clear indication that there is no opposition in the state,” the Governor said.

Gov. Idris commended the defectors for what he described as their courage to take the right decision at the right time, noting that their move to the ruling party was informed by the visible developmental projects across the state.

“I urge you to keep faith in this administration and join hands with us so that together we can take Kebbi state to greater heights,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Kebbi State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru, urged the new members to feel at home, assuring them of equal treatment within the party.

“There is no doubt that you have made a wise decision by joining the ruling party. Kauran Gwandu has done tremendously well for the state and has touched the lives of the general populace.
Joining hands with him to make Kebbi State greater is a welcome development,” he said.

Similarly, the National Organising Secretary of APC and former Deputy Governor, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, expressed appreciation for the development and assured the defectors that the present administration under the able leadership of Comrade Dr Nasir Idris would never let them down.

He described the Governor as a man of wisdom and integrity who always keeps his word.

Responding on behalf of the defectors, the leader of the group and former PDP stalwart, Hon. Aliyu Manager Mai-Ashane, thanked Governor Nasir Idris for his continuous support to the people of Jega Local Government and Kebbi State at large.

“I have been approached several times to join the APC, but I declined; however, I was moved by your actions and the visible impact of your administration on the people of Kebbi State.

“You are a leader with vision and mission, a leader who genuinely has the interest of his people at heart. What you have done for my people alone is enough for me to identify with your movement,” he said.