2027: Idris accuses Malami of politicising banditry

File photo: Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris

The Kebbi State Government has accused the African Democratic Congress and its governorship candidate, Abubakar Malami, of exploiting insecurity and the plight of victims of banditry for political gains ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The government alleged that opposition politicians were using visits to Internally Displaced Persons camps and communities affected by banditry to score political points rather than demonstrate genuine concern for the victims.

The allegations were contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to Governor Nasir Idris.

The statement which read in part, accused the ADC leadership of building its campaign strategy around fabricated allegations, incitement of civil servants and propaganda on security.

It said the state government had continued to complement the federal government’s security efforts through the procurement of about 200 Hilux vehicles, more than 10,000 motorcycles and periodic reviews of allowances for security personnel deployed to the field.

The statement noted, “The Kebbi State Government has been complementing federal efforts through the procurement of about 200 Hilux vehicles, over 10,000 motorcycles, and periodic review of monthly allowances for officers in the field.”

It added that the government had put in place arrangements for the resettlement, feeding, clothing, comfort, security and financial assistance of victims displaced by banditry.

According to the statement, Governor Idris also chairs the weekly State Security Council meetings attended by the Brigade Commander, Commissioner of Police, Director of State Security and other relevant stakeholders to review operational strategies.

The government further accused the ADC of attempting to incite civil servants with promises of improved workers’ welfare and the construction of a befitting state secretariat.

However, it cited the reaction of the Nigeria Labour Congress Chairman in the state, Murtala Usman, who reportedly dismissed the opposition’s promises as a typical example of such a poor strategy.

Our correspondent recalls that Usman was quoted as saying, “We have one of the best state secretariats in the country. The rights and privileges of workers are being paid as at and when due, and above all, trade unions are being carried along in the governance of the state.”

The statement also criticised recent visits by ADC leaders and candidates to communities and IDP camps affected by banditry, describing them as politically motivated.

Related News

• Five officers feared dead as bandits attack police convoy
• Lagos youths adopt by-law, mobilise for 2027 elections
• Katsina Imam urges probe into cleric’s assassination

It particularly accused Malami of staging what it called “crocodile tears” during a visit to Jega, while alleging that the party’s House of Representatives candidate for Koko/Besse/Maiyama Federal Constituency, Shehu Muhammed Koko, displayed insensitivity during a condolence visit.

On Malami’s legal’s challenges, the statement referred to allegations of questionable wealth accumulated during his time in public office, reminding that courts had ordered the seizure of about 50 properties and the freezing of 47 bank accounts.

The government, however, did not provide further details of the cases in the statement.

It also said the ADC’s activities followed Governor Idris’s visits to Sakaba, Danko/Wasagu and Shanga Local Government Areas, where he announced additional armoured vehicles and military personnel, including members of the civilian Joint Task Force, to strengthen security operations.

It added that the governor announced N100m for the upkeep of displaced persons in Wasagu and N10m for vigilantes supporting security agencies.

Defending the governor’s administration, the statement expressed confidence that his development record and commitment to security would secure his re-election in 2027.

It said, “Considering the irreversible mindset of the people of Kebbi State on their absolute confidence and strong belief in the capacity and commitment of Comrade Governor Nasir Idris to sustain the unprecedented socio-economic development in the state, no amount of blackmail, deceitful devices and fabrication of falsehood can change the people’s belief that there is no alternative to Comrade Governor Nasir Idris in 2027.”

When contacted, a political aide to Abubakar Malami, in a phone conversation with our correspondent on Monday, dismissed the allegations which he described as fear of opposition by the ruling party in the state.

He said the Malami camp will respond to all the allegations in due time.

The Malami aide stated, “All what they are doing is because they are afraid of the kind of opposition we are giving them.

“We will respond to their allegation very soon, we know where we are going, no distraction,” he concluded.