Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has warned that no aspirant will receive an elective ticket without genuine support from grassroots stakeholders, Mediaplusng.com reports.
The Governor issued the warning while receiving executive members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area at the Government House on Saturday. He expressed concern over political appointees who remain in Abuja without returning to serve and mobilise their local communities.
According to Governor Idris, any aspirant seeking a party ticket must be thoroughly vetted to confirm backing from stakeholders, party executives, and the electorate at the grassroots level, Mediaplusng.com adds. He emphasised that personal influence in government or Abuja connections will not secure candidacy.
“Your people, stakeholders, and party executives must endorse you and advocate on your behalf before you can be considered for a ticket,” he said. “You cannot stay away from your community and expect automatic nomination because of your government ties. That will not happen under my watch.”
Governor Idris also stated that he did not make prior agreements or accept financial support in exchange for political favours before assuming office. He recalled that many refused to attend his campaign or contribute to the rerun election but that he still succeeded without their backing.
Reacting to opposition claims about insecurity, the Governor defended his administration, saying no other state government invests in security as much as Kebbi. He dismissed allegations that his government is a “government of learners,” noting his experience as a former head of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), one of the largest unions in Nigeria.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Governor Idris cited free fertiliser distribution for farmers, ongoing road construction in Yauri, Argungu, Zuru, and Gwandu, and sustained support for security operations. He also called on APC members to mobilise citizens for the ongoing electronic registration exercise, noting that the Progressive Governors’ Forum has requested an extension from the party’s national leadership.
