Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu solidified his political standing in the North as the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State officially declared its support for him amid growing debates in the region over his 2027 re-election prospects.
Truth Live News gathered that at a massive rally held at the Haliru Abdu Multi-Purpose Stadium in Birnin Kebbi, the APC also adopted Governor Nasir Idris for a second term in 2027, reinforcing the party’s unity in the state.
The endorsement comes at a time when several notable northern figures, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal, have openly criticized Tinubu’s administration. Lawal has vowed to mobilize opposition against the president, citing economic difficulties in the North, while Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed is reportedly working to rally support for an alternative presidential candidate.
However, Kebbi APC leaders, led by Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Abubakar Bagudu and Governor Idris, dismissed the opposition, emphasizing Tinubu’s commitment to the North through substantial federal projects.
Bagudu highlighted over 40 ongoing projects valued at more than N600 billion in Kebbi across key sectors, calling the federal government’s intervention in the state “unprecedented.”
“President Bola Tinubu has shown that he is a visionary leader with enormous capacity to carry everyone along. He promised to be president for all, and he has practicalized that in all his dealings in the last one and a half years that he has been in office,” Bagudu said.
The minister listed major infrastructure projects in the state, including:
Sokoto (Ilela-Badagry) Superhighway (Kebbi section) – N428.3 billion
Biu-Kangiwa-Kamba-Gaya-Niger Republic Road (30 km segment) – N39.6 billion
Malando Garin Baka Ngaski Wara Road (79.6 km) – N86.3 billion
Koko-Besse-Zaria-Kala Road – N13.7 billion
Natisini-Kangiwa-Kamba Road – N35 billion
“For us in Kebbi State, we are grateful for his impactful leadership that is consolidating inclusive economic growth and development across our land and the nation,” Bagudu added.
The Birnin Kebbi rally attracted a host of political heavyweights, including National Assembly members, former governors, and APC National Working Committee (NWC) members, further amplifying Tinubu’s support base in the North.
On Sunday, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle rejected claims by Babachir Lawal that the North was turning against Tinubu, stating that the region remained solidly behind him. The Arewa Think Tank also downplayed opposition voices, arguing that the North had no reason not to re-elect Tinubu in 2027.
Other notable attendees included:
Hon. James Faleke, House of Representatives Committee on Finance Chairman (representing Tinubu)
Suleiman Argungu, APC National Organizing Secretary
Hon. Durosimi Meseko, APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary
Tosin Adeyanju, Executive Secretary, National Lottery Commission
Senator Bala ibn Na’alla
Senator Mohammed Magoro
Former Governor Sai’du Dakingari
Bagudu reiterated that both Tinubu and Governor Idris had earned a second term through their performance, stating:
“The Tinubu government has done so much to make Nigeria better. In less than two years, the federal government has recorded many people-oriented projects in Kebbi State, including major roads and infrastructure projects.”
Kebbi Governor: “We Stand with Tinubu”
Governor Idris affirmed the state’s unwavering support for Tinubu, commending him for his contributions to Kebbi’s development.
“We can count many things that the president has done for our state. For this, I’m with Tinubu come 2027. When the time comes, we shall see if they think they have more people than Tinubu in Kebbi State. Only the person who brought progress to us is our candidate,” Idris said.
Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Hon. Muhammadu Ankwe, also praised Tinubu’s infrastructure achievements, urging the people to reciprocate his efforts with electoral support.
“Hon. Faleke, please tell the president that we are solidly behind him,” Ankwe assured.
In response, Faleke thanked the people of Kebbi for their unwavering support and promised that Tinubu would continue to serve them diligently.
“I thank you for this show of support. I urge you to continue to stand firmly, and I assure you that Tinubu will not disappoint you,” he said.
With Kebbi APC’s public declaration, Tinubu’s influence in the North appears to be gaining traction, even as internal party divisions and opposition maneuvers continue to unfold ahead of the 2027 elections.