From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Ahead of the 31 August, 2024 for the Local Government Council elections, the ruling party, All Progressives Congress(APC), the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and others political parties are putting their popularity to test across the 21 LGAs and 225 wards in the state.
While the ruling party, APC will capitalize on its achievements, popularity of the governor of the state, Dr. Nasir Idris in the last one year, whom the citizens have tagged “ Welfarist Governor’, the opposition parties which are clamouring for a free and fair poll, solely depend on the influence of their national Assembly members who had won election under the PDP in the 2023 general election.
It was gathered that out of the 21 LGAs in the state, the APC is still strong in 18 Councils and might break through other councils. Sources hinted that the main areas of contention might be Argungu and Aliero LGAs, the home base of Senator Yahaya Abdullahi and Senator Adamu Aliero.
According to many political pundits, the people of Zuru Emirate, where bandits were ravaging in the past, have realized that the incumbent governor has good intention for them especially in the areas of security, roads and appointment of their kinsmen into strategic positions. Therefore, the four LGAs in the area, comprising of Zuru, Sakaba, Fakai, Dankowasagu might vote for the ruling party to continue enjoying the welfare packages, dividends of government and a sense of belonging.
However, it could be recalled that the body of political parties, Intra-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Kebbi State had kicked against the appointment of the sole administrators for the 21 LGAs after the expiration of the tenure of the Council Chairmen earlier this year. The state Chairman of IPAC, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammed along his members, had contacted the House of Assembly, KSIEC, and other stakeholders on the prompt need to conduct election into the seats of the 21 Councils chairmen and 225 wards.
At various fora , the Kebbi governor who had insisted that his government is not afraid of conducting election, said he would love to put his strength, popularity into test across the 21 LGAs.
While speaking with newsmen, after a stakeholders meeting attended by the Minister of Budget and Economy development, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Abubakar Malami and others, Governor Idris after a stakeholders meeting said that his administration is not afraid to conduct LGAs poll. He insisted that the government would conduct free, fair and credible local government elections.
According to him, “the APC is a formidable party in Kebbi State; we are confident in securing victory for all the Chairmanship seats and 225 Councillorship seats in the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
“The incumbent APC led administration has performed remarkably well in uplifting the socio-economic wellbeing of the people, massive infrastructural development. We have upheld the trust of the electorates; it is a testimony and good sign for victory.”
While allaying any fear ahead of the poll, the State Publicity Secretary of APC in the state, Alhaji Issah Asalafi, explained that the present administration led by the governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has continued to operate open doors policy, whereby citizens, irrespective of their tribes, religions, location or Emirate, have free access to the governor, his Deputy and other arms of the government. Asalafi noted that the role of the governor to ensure the LGAs election is conducted within the first period of appointment of the Caretaker Committee has been applauded in many quarters, compared to other places, whereby tenures of the Caretaker Committees would be extended for more than three times.
According to him,“ this is the man of courage, the man of people and don’t forget, Governor Nasir Idris is a unionist, so, he is not afraid of conducting local government election. The fact on ground is that the governor had worked harder for the people of the state in the last one year. In terms of the infrastructural development, rapid transformation of Birnin Kebbi metropolis, transformation of other Emirates including Argungu, Yauri and Zuru Emirates, our governor has performed creditably well. In the aspect of welfare, full appointment of all boards of tertiary institutions, and other Board and Parastatals among others, Governor Nasir Idris has done well constitutionally. All of us knew the security situation in parts of Kebbi South Senatorial district. When he assumed duty as the governor, he moved in, changed the security narrative of the area. Today, our farmers could go back to their farms to cultivate their land. Even the road from Koko-Mahuta to Dabai, which is in bad condition, the governor and this present administration are working hard to ensure that road is reconstructed by the Federal Government so that the people of Zuru Emirate with four LGAs are enjoying their movement and transportation of goods and services to the urban areas.
“Again, APC Kebbi State chapter is a shining example of democratic excellence. That is why the governor immediately put all the measures on ground to support KSIEC to conduct the LGAs poll. And it is the people who are going to vote and I have a strong belief that the people of Kebbi State would vote for all APC candidates in August, 31st, 2024 .
“Let me inform you again, that APC, Kebbi State chapter has emerged as a beacon of hope in Nigeria’s political landscape, showcasing a leadership style that has catapulted the party to greatness. Through its unwavering commitment to democratic principles, the APC has solidified its position as the first choice for the people of Kebbi State. The party’s superlative political methodology has been ranked among her contemporaries in the country as the best APC state in Nigeria, demonstrating a practical approach to democratic systems. This achievement is unique and will remain a testimonial to the dedication and hard work of the party’s leadership, who has tirelessly worked to ensure that the needs of Kebbians are met.
“The APC’s success in Kebbi State can be attributed to its focus on the welfare of the people, by our Welfarist’ Governor, His Excellency, Dr, Nasir Idris . The party (APC) has implemented various initiatives that have led to significant development and progress in the state, making it a model for others to follow. The APC’s commitment to democratic values, inclusivity, and progress has created a sense of belonging among Kebbians, who have come to trust the party’s ability to deliver.
“As the party continues to thrive, it is clear that Kebbi State is on the rise. The APC’s dedication to the people’s Charter of needs has led to a significant improvement in the state’s infrastructure, economy, and social services. The party’s leadership (SWC) ably led by Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Kana has also ensured that the voices of Kebbians are heard, creating a platform for citizens to participate in the decision-making process which is popularly known as government of inclusiveness.
“The APC Kebbi State chapter’s achievements under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr, Nasir Idris is a good testimony of the power of effective leadership and democratic excellence. The party’s ability to connect with the people and address their needs has created a sense of ownership and belonging among Kebbians. As the party continues to move from glory to glory, it is evident that Kebbi State APC will remain a shining example of democratic excellence in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“Finally, the APC Kebbi State chapter’s success is a reminder to all of us, that leadership matters and that democratic principle can be practiced in a way that will benefit all of us. As the party continues to rise, it is clear that Kebbi State will remain a beacon of hope for a brighter future in Nigeria”.
The umbrella of the Political parties including main opposition parties, PDP, has continued to mount pressure on the state electoral umpire to ensure credible council poll.
Addressing newsmen after their extra ordinary meeting, the state Chairman of IPAC, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammed said this election would not be business as usual as parties, voters and IPAC will not fold its arms to allow impartial results declaration by the state electoral body KSIEC.
The body also voiced concerns over administrative charges by KSIEC which they described as unaffordable to some political parties that could also stop some political parties from participating in the elections.
He said: “We are urging KSIEC to charge very little or wipe it completely like the federal electoral body INEC is doing to allow contenders to take part in the local councils polls” .
IPAC, however appealed against employing partisan politicians as the ad-hoc staff for the conduct of the elections and alleged that the last elections witnessed the inclusion of partisan politicians as electoral officers.
On election guidelines, IPAC appealed to the electoral body to release the guidelines without further delay before the commencement of polls activities which according to their timetable, will begin on July 7, 2024, and end September 7 ,2024, before the main elections in August.
Muhammed added that the IPAC also resolved that they will not accept results declaration in the middle of the night when people have gone to sleep and any political party which wins any council or ward, should be declared winner immediately.
However, the APC Zonal Vice-Chairman, Kebbi North, Alhaji Sahabi Lolo explained that the ruling party would win with large margin at the poll based on the achievements of the governor and the impact of the current administration policies and programmes on the lives of the people of the state.
He said: We are not afraid at all, the current achievements of this administration has continued to wax stronger our confidence. All over the towns,t he echoes of the governor, being ‘a Welfarist Governor”is what we have been hearing from the people. So, it is these same people that will determine whom they will vote for. They will definitely choose between a party who care for them and is closer to them than the one far away from them, and always come around only during the election time”.
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