Battle of Popularity in Kebbi State Politics; Gov Idris Overshadows Malami

BATTLE OF POPULARITY: Kauran Gwandu Tears Malami into Pieces: Shut down Kebbi State

In what appeared to be a battle of supremacy and porpularity within Kebbi state political arena between the incumbent Governor Idris of APC and former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami of ADC,make the two titans organized a mega rally one beside the other. 

Few weeks ago Malami organized a similar rally with couple of hundred people in attendance, this resulted in Governor Idris to counter him and organized similar rally primirally to show Malami what power of incumbency really mean. 

While Malami manage to gather about 500 people, Governor Idris was able to gathered about 20,000 people one of the biggest political rally in Kebbi state politics. 

Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, was brought to a standstill on Saturday in solidarity with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gov. Nasir Idris.

People converged at various points from Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Ambursa, through Sultan Abubakar Road and Bello Way to Haliru Abdu Stadium.

The governor, elated by the crowd that turned out in solidarity, expressed appreciation to the people.

The unity rally was organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state as a show of solidarity with the President and the governor.

Addressing the mammoth crowd at Haliru Abdu Stadium, the governor insisted that the people of Kebbi State had every reason to support the President, especially given the developmental projects and federal appointments the state had received.

He cited the ongoing developmental projects and federal interventions as evidence of the administration’s commitment to the state.

“We have every reason to support President Tinubu. The impact of his administration is visible, and our people can attest to the progress recorded over the past few years,” Gov. Idris added.

The governor described the prevailing unity within the APC in the state as a strong signal of continued support for the President and the party’s leadership.

“Today is a historic day for all of us. I am particularly delighted by the unity within our party and among the people of Kebbi.

"This unity clearly demonstrates that Kebbi remains firmly aligned with the APC and our leader, President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

The governor emphasised his administration’s resolve to sustain and build on the achievements of previous governments in the state.

“We are consolidating the gains of past administrations and will continue to advance development across the state.

"Party stakeholders and supporters in the state are united in their resolve to back both the President and his administration for a second term.

“We have collectively agreed to support President Tinubu and sustain our administration beyond the first term.

"We will not allow anyone to mislead our people, given the tangible achievements of the APC,” he assured.

In his speech, the APC National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, said: "This gathering shows that the people aligned with both the President and the governor."

He expressed optimism that the APC would triumph in subsequent elections given the crowd that turned out for the rally.

Speaking on the party primaries, the Organising Secretary said the party had resolved to select its candidates through primary elections or consensus, but noted that it preferred aspirants to unite behind a consensus candidate to avoid disunity.

On his part, Alhaji Faruku Musa Yaro Enabo, the Executive Chairman, Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, advised the governor to thank God Almighty for what he described as a show of love by the people of Kebbi.

He urged the people to unite for the peace and progress of the party and the state at large.

Earlier, the APC Chairman in the state, Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru, said the rally drew participants from all 21 local government areas, 225 wards and over 3,700 polling units in the state.

“These are genuine supporters from across Kebbi, not a rented crowd as seen elsewhere. The turnout is unprecedented and reflects the widespread acceptance of the APC,” he said.

In their separate remarks, the Youth Leader, Abubakar Sadiq-Yelwa, and the Women Leader, Hajiya A'isha Gunabi, pledged their loyalty to the party, while restating their commitment to the party’s victory in subsequent elections.

They observed that no election could record the necessary victory without the active contributions of youths and women.

The duo affirmed their determination to work actively and tirelessly for the bictory of the party at all levels.