2027: Kebbi PDP denies endorsing gov Idris, says party remains united

In 2027, the Kebbi State chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) categorically denied reports that it had endorsed Governor Nasir Idris of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the upcoming governorship election. The PDP insisted that it remains unified and committed to its own candidates. This denial came after a group of PDP stakeholders and supporters in Birnin Kebbi publicly expressed their support for Idris' re-election bid. The group included notable figures such as former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi (retired), and others who claimed to have decided to back the governor due to his performance and developmental efforts in the state. The PDP State Chairman, Alhaji Usman Suru, issued a statement clarifying that the declaration of support for Idris did not reflect the stance of the party. He emphasized that the Kebbi State PDP rejected any rumors suggesting that the party was supporting the APC or its gubernatorial candidate in the 2027 election. Suru described the PDP as "one and united," reaffirming the party's commitment to its candidates in the lead-up to the general elections. He advised party members and supporters to ignore false and baseless rumors circulating about the PDP abandoning its political platform or adopting the APC candidate. Suru further noted that the PDP had candidates for the state House of Assembly in all 21 local government areas, the House of Representatives in all eight federal constituencies, and the Senate in the three senatorial districts. He reiterated that the PDP remained an independent and fully established political organization in the state. Meanwhile, at the gathering where support for Governor Idris was declared, Bamaiyi stated that the group's decision was based on the governor's visible achievements and commitment to infrastructure development. However, he clarified that the group would stay within the PDP, emphasizing that the endorsement was a personal decision by the stakeholders and not an official resolution of the state chapter. A former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Buhari Bala, also spoke at the event, stating that the group's decision followed an evaluation of the governor's performance and leadership. He expressed that the group could not remain passive in the face of what they perceived as patriotic and selfless leadership. These developments occur amidst growing political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi, with some PDP stakeholders backing the incumbent governor while the state party leadership maintains that the PDP has neither endorsed Idris nor abandoned its own candidate. In a separate development, the Kwara State chapter of the PDP announced the dissolution of all party caucuses across the 16 local government areas of the state as part of efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. This decision was made by the State Executive Committee of the party and other key stakeholders during a closed-door meeting with the party leader and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, during his recent visit to the state. The PDP State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, revealed this in a statement, noting that the dissolution marked the start of a comprehensive reorganization of the party's structures in the state. Adewara explained that the party had begun preparing for the 2027 elections and deemed it essential to refresh its structures, bring in new members, and expand participation among its constituents. He added that the move aimed to establish a more effective and inclusive political mechanism capable of securing electoral victories for the PDP at all levels in the 2027 elections. According to Adewara, the decision was made within the authority granted to the State Executive Committee to implement measures deemed necessary to strengthen, reposition, and reorganize the party in the best interests of its members and electoral prospects. The PDP acknowledged the contributions of the members of the dissolved caucuses, expressing appreciation for their dedication, loyalty, sacrifices, and contributions to the growth of the PDP in Kwara State. It emphasized that the dissolution should not be viewed as a rejection of these contributions, assuring that the members would continue to play a role in the party's success. The PDP encouraged its members across the state to remain calm, united, and committed to the party as it initiates the process of forming new caucuses. Mechanisms for recruiting, constituting, and inaugurating new caucuses across the 16 local government areas were already underway. As political parties in the state ramp up preparations and internal adjustments in anticipation of the 2027 general elections, the PDP continues to assert its unity and commitment to its candidates. The party's actions in both Kebbi and Kwara states highlight the ongoing strategic realignment and consolidation efforts taking place nationwide as the political landscape prepares for the upcoming elections.