…Barely one week after his endorsement as the All Progressive Congress (APC) Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris has sought for the support and blessing of the tradition rulers in the state after he was endorsed b
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2027: Kebbi gov seeks traditional rulers support, blessings
Governor Nasir Idris engages with traditional leaders in Kebbi State.
In the quiet corridors of power in Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris is playing a long game. Just days after his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), handed him the golden ticket to contest the 2027 governorship election, Idris has turned his attention to the state’s traditional institutions—not just as a formality, but as a calculated move to secure the moral and political high ground.
The governor’s outreach to the Emirate Councils and other traditional authorities isn’t merely symbolic. In a region where chieftaincy institutions wield immense influence over local governance and public sentiment, Idris’s strategy could determine whether his campaign gains traction or stumbles before it even begins. The stakes are high: Kebbi, a state rich in agricultural potential and strategic location along Nigeria’s northern borders, is no stranger to political turbulence. A fractured alliance with traditional leaders could spell disaster for even the most ambitious political aspirant.
Idris’s gambit reflects a broader trend in Nigerian politics, where gubernatorial candidates increasingly recognize that traditional rulers are not relics of the past, but gatekeepers to electoral success. Their endorsements can sway entire communities, mobilize grassroots support, and even deter rivals from making bold moves. For Idris, securing these blessings isn’t just about winning votes—it’s about building a narrative of legitimacy that resonates beyond the ballot box.
But the governor’s timing raises questions. Why now? The APC’s endorsement came swiftly, almost unexpectedly, leaving little room for dissent within the party. Yet, the real test lies in the coming weeks, as Idris navigates a labyrinth of palace intrigues and competing interests. Traditional rulers in Kebbi are not a monolith; their loyalties are often divided by clan, history, and personal ambitions. A misstep here could fracture the fragile unity Idris needs to take on his rivals.
The APC’s Endorsement: A Double-Edged Sword
The All Progressives Congress’s decision to anoint Idris as its flagbearer for 2027 was met with a mix of relief and unease in Kebbi. On one hand, the party’s endorsement provided Idris with a powerful political asset: the APC’s national machinery, which could mobilize resources and manpower for his campaign. On the other, the swiftness of the endorsement left little time for internal party negotiations, raising concerns about potential backlash from factions that felt sidelined.
Idris’s response has been to double down on inclusivity. By seeking the support of traditional rulers, he is signaling that his governorship bid is not just about party loyalty, but about bridging divides within the state. This approach mirrors strategies employed by other governors in Nigeria’s north, where traditional institutions often serve as the glue that holds fragile political coalitions together.
Yet, the governor’s outreach is not without risks. Some traditional rulers may view his overtures as an attempt to co-opt their authority, rather than a genuine effort to collaborate. In a state where chieftaincy titles carry deep historical weight, perceptions matter. A perceived slight could turn influential emirs into vocal critics, complicating Idris’s path to victory.
For now, Idris appears to be walking a tightrope, balancing the need for party unity with the demands of traditional governance. His success in this endeavor could set a precedent for how gubernatorial candidates in Nigeria’s north approach the delicate dance of political alliances.
Traditional Rulers: The Silent Kingmakers of Northern Politics
In Kebbi, as in much of Nigeria’s north, traditional rulers are more than ceremonial figures. They are the custodians of culture, the arbiters of local disputes, and, in many cases, the unofficial advisors to state governors. Their influence extends beyond the palace walls, shaping everything from land allocation to community development projects.
Governor Idris’s decision to court these leaders is not an anomaly; it’s a reflection of a political reality that has persisted for decades. In 2015, for example, then-Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu leveraged his relationship with the Emir of Gwandu to consolidate his grip on power. Similarly, in neighboring Sokoto State, the Sultan’s endorsement has often been the deciding factor in gubernatorial races.
But the power of traditional rulers is not absolute. In recent years, some have found themselves at odds with state governors, particularly when their interests clash with those of the ruling party. In Zamfara State, for instance, a dispute between the state government and the Emir of Gusau over local governance issues led to a public feud that threatened to derail the governor’s agenda. Such incidents serve as a reminder that traditional rulers, while influential, are not infallible.
For Idris, the challenge is to ensure that his outreach to traditional leaders does not become a one-sided transaction. These rulers expect more than empty promises; they demand tangible benefits for their communities. Whether that means improved infrastructure, healthcare, or education, Idris will need to deliver—or risk losing their support before the election even begins.
One of the most critical relationships Idris must navigate is with the Emir of Argungu, one of the most prominent traditional leaders in Kebbi. The emir’s endorsement could sway entire voting blocs, particularly in the state’s rural areas, where traditional authority still holds sway over public opinion. Yet, the emir’s own political leanings are a subject of speculation, adding another layer of complexity to Idris’s calculations.
A State at a Crossroads: Kebbi’s Political Future
Kebbi State stands at a crossroads. Rich in agricultural resources and strategically located, it is a state with immense potential—but also one plagued by challenges. From insecurity along its borders with Niger to the perennial struggle with flooding and drought, Kebbi’s next governor will inherit a daunting to-do list.
Idris’s bid for a second term comes at a time when the state’s voters are increasingly demanding accountability. The APC’s endorsement may have given him a head start, but it has also raised expectations. If Idris fails to deliver on his promises to traditional rulers, he risks alienating the very institutions that could propel him to victory.
Meanwhile, the opposition is not standing still. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other smaller parties are already positioning themselves for the 2027 race, eyeing any weaknesses in Idris’s strategy. A misstep in his dealings with traditional rulers could hand them the ammunition they need to mount a serious challenge.
For Idris, the path forward is clear: he must strike a delicate balance between party loyalty and traditional governance, between short-term political gains and long-term stability. His ability to do so will determine not just his political future, but the future of Kebbi itself.
What’s Next for Governor Idris?
With his party’s nomination secured, Governor Idris’s focus has shifted to the next phase of his campaign: winning the hearts and minds of Kebbi’s traditional leaders. This is no small task. The state’s emirates are diverse, each with its own history, customs, and political alliances. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work.
Idris’s team is reportedly preparing a series of town hall meetings and private consultations with key traditional figures. These engagements are not just about securing endorsements; they’re about building trust. Traditional rulers in Kebbi are acutely aware of the governor’s track record—both his successes and his failures. If Idris is to convince them of his commitment to the state’s development, he will need to demonstrate tangible progress in areas like education, healthcare, and rural infrastructure.
One area where Idris could score quick points is in addressing the state’s perennial flooding issues. Kebbi is no stranger to devastating floods, which have displaced thousands of residents and destroyed farmlands. By prioritizing flood control measures, Idris could not only improve lives but also win the gratitude of traditional rulers who represent the hardest-hit communities.
Another critical issue is security. The state’s border with Niger has long been a flashpoint for cross-border crimes, including banditry and smuggling. Traditional rulers in these areas are often the first line of defense, working with security agencies to maintain peace. Idris’s ability to strengthen these partnerships could go a long way in securing their support.
The Broader Implications for Nigerian Politics
Governor Idris’s strategy in Kebbi is a microcosm of a larger trend in Nigerian politics: the growing recognition of traditional rulers as key players in the electoral process. In states like Kano, Kaduna, and Plateau, traditional leaders have become de facto kingmakers, their endorsements often determining the outcome of gubernatorial races.
This shift has not gone unnoticed by political parties. The APC, in particular, has made a concerted effort to cultivate relationships with traditional institutions across the north. In 2023, the party’s national leadership held a series of meetings with emirs and chiefs, seeking their blessings for its candidates. The message was clear: in Nigeria’s north, traditional rulers are not just cultural icons—they are political power brokers.
For Idris, the stakes are even higher. Kebbi is a swing state, where political fortunes can shift with the wind. A strong alliance with traditional rulers could give him the edge he needs to secure victory. But if he stumbles, he risks handing the opposition an opportunity to exploit his weaknesses.
As the 2027 elections approach, the eyes of Nigeria’s political class will be on Kebbi. The outcome of Idris’s campaign could set a precedent for how gubernatorial candidates in the north approach traditional institutions—and whether they view them as partners or obstacles.
One thing is certain: in Kebbi, as in much of Nigeria, the old ways of politics are not fading away. They are evolving, adapting to new realities, and demanding new strategies. Governor Idris’s success or failure in courting traditional rulers will be a test of his political acumen—and a bellwether for the future of Nigerian democracy.
Conclusion: A Test of Leadership and Legacy
Governor Nasir Idris’s outreach to Kebbi’s traditional rulers is more than a political maneuver; it’s a test of leadership. In a state where tradition and modernity often collide, Idris’s ability to navigate these waters will define his legacy. Will he emerge as a governor who bridges divides, or one who deepens them?
The answer lies in the coming months. As Idris engages with emirs, chiefs, and community leaders, he will need to do more than pay lip service to their concerns. He must deliver tangible benefits, forge genuine partnerships, and prove that his governorship bid is not just about power, but about progress.
For the people of Kebbi, the stakes could not be higher. Their next governor will inherit a state grappling with insecurity, economic challenges, and the lingering effects of climate change. The traditional rulers they turn to for guidance will play a pivotal role in shaping the state’s future. And Governor Idris? His fate hangs in the balance, as he seeks not just to win an election, but to earn the trust of a people who have seen too many leaders come and go without leaving a mark.
One thing is clear: in Kebbi, the old and the new are colliding, and the outcome will reverberate far beyond the state’s borders. The 2027 elections are not just about who governs—it’s about who listens, who delivers, and who leaves a legacy that lasts.
As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to shift, the lessons from Kebbi will resonate across the country. For aspiring leaders, the message is simple: ignore traditional institutions at your peril. For traditional rulers, the message is equally clear: your power is not waning—it’s evolving. And for the people of Kebbi, the message is one of hope: that their next governor might just be the one to finally turn the page on a chapter of unfulfilled promises.
The journey has just begun. The real test lies ahead.
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