Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its governorship candidate, Abubakar Malami, of politicising the security challenges in the state, describing Malami’s recent comments on banditry as crocodile tears aimed at scoring cheap political points ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement, the Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Governor, Nasis Idris, said opposition politicians were exploiting insecurity by using visits to camps for internally displaced people and communities affected by banditry to score political points and gain political advantage, rather than show genuine concern for victims.
The statement accused the ADC of building its campaign around what it called fabricated allegations, incitement of civil servants and propaganda on security.
It said the state government had supported federal security efforts by procuring about 200 Hilux vehicles and more than 10,000 motorcycles, while periodically reviewing allowances for security personnel deployed in the field.
“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,” the statement said.
The government also said it had made arrangements for the resettlement, feeding, clothing, security and financial assistance of people displaced by banditry.
Governor Idris chairs weekly State Security Council meetings with the Brigade Commander, Commissioner of Police, Director of State Security and other officials to review operational strategies, according to the statement.
The ruling party’s accusations underscore the increasingly contentious political environment in Kebbi as insecurity remains a central issue ahead of the 2027 elections.
The government 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, military personnel and civilian Joint Task Force members to strengthen security operations.
It said the governor also announced 100 million naira for the upkeep of displaced people in Wasagu and 10 million naira for vigilantes supporting security agencies.
The statement criticised recent visits by ADC leaders and candidates to affected communities and displacement camps as politically motivated.
It accused Malami, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, of staging “crocodile tears” during a visit to Jega.
It also alleged that Shehu Muhammed Koko, the party’s House of Representatives candidate for Koko/Besse/Maiyama Federal Constituency, showed insensitivity during a condolence visit.
The government referenced allegations of questionable wealth accumulated during Malami’s time in public office, noting that courts had ordered the seizure of about 50 properties and the freezing of 47 bank accounts.
The statement also accused the ADC of trying to incite civil servants with promises of improved welfare and a new state secretariat.
It cited Murtala Usman, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kebbi, as dismissing the opposition’s promises.
“We have one of the best state secretariats in the country,” Usman was quoted as saying.
“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,” it reads.
The government expressed confidence that Governor Idris’s development record and commitment to security would secure his re-election.
“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,” the statement said.
A political aide to Malami dismissed the allegations on Monday as evidence that the ruling party fears the opposition.
He said the Malami camp would respond to the accusations in due course.
“All they are doing is because they are afraid of the kind of opposition we are giving them,” the aide said.
“We will respond to their allegation very soon. We know where we are going; no distraction,” he added.
