President Bola Tinubu has received a significant political boost in the North as the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State declared its support for his re-election bid in 2027. The announcement came during a large rally held at the Haliru Abdu Multi-Purpose Stadium in Birni Kebbi, the state capital, where Governor Nasir Idris was also officially endorsed to run for a second term in office.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The rally showcased strong support for Tinubu from key political figures in the state, even as voices of opposition in the North have been growing. Notably, former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed have raised concerns about Tinubu’s re-election. Lawal, in particular, has signaled plans to mobilize northern leaders against Tinubu’s 2027 campaign, criticizing what he perceives as economic mismanagement under the president’s administration.
Despite the growing opposition, the rally in Kebbi served as a powerful statement of unity and support for Tinubu’s leadership. Senator Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, was one of the event’s prominent speakers, highlighting the numerous federal projects that have been initiated in Kebbi State since Tinubu assumed office. Among these are large-scale infrastructure projects, including the Sokoto-Ilela-Badagry Superhighway (worth N428.3 billion), the Biu-Kangiwa-Kamba-Gaya-Niger Republic Road (valued at N39.6 billion), and multiple road and agricultural projects.
Bagudu stressed that these developments were clear evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive growth and economic development in the region. He noted that in just under two years, Tinubu’s administration had brought unprecedented federal attention and investment into the state, which is home to numerous important projects aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
In his remarks, Governor Idris also expressed his deep gratitude to President Tinubu for the transformative projects that have been implemented in the state, reinforcing his support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. He described the president as a “visionary leader” whose efforts had significantly contributed to Kebbi State’s development, adding that when the time came for the 2027 election, it would be clear to all that the people of Kebbi stood firmly behind him.
Kebbi’s strong political backing for Tinubu is particularly notable given the growing divergence of opinions in the North over the president’s 2027 prospects. Nasir el-Rufai’s comments on a potential repeat of the Goodluck Jonathan treatment—where Jonathan lost in the 2015 presidential election to Muhammadu Buhari—reflect growing tensions in the region. Lawal, a former critic of Tinubu’s policies, has been vocal about his intent to block the president’s bid, suggesting that other northern leaders may align against him.
However, Bagudu and Idris were resolute in their stance that the North should support Tinubu due to the economic benefits and developmental projects brought to the region during his tenure. The rally also served as an endorsement of Governor Idris for a second term, with the state’s APC leaders citing his successful governance under Tinubu’s administration.
Hon. James Faleke, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Finance Committee, also participated in the rally, voicing the APC’s commitment to fulfilling the president’s promises to the people of Kebbi. He pledged that Tinubu would continue to serve the state’s people with diligence and dedication, ensuring that Kebbi’s development remains a priority.
The show of support in Kebbi adds to the growing momentum for Tinubu’s 2027 bid, as the president continues to receive backing from key figures in the North. Despite opposition from a few influential leaders, Kebbi State’s endorsement marks a significant step towards solidifying his political base ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
