By Yakubu Ahmed BK
Recent developments have removed any lingering doubts regarding the fate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kebbi State.
The party has been living on life support, struggling to maintain its existence for some time. The recent defection of all three senators elected under the PDP banner in 2023 to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dealt a devastating blow, severing the already frayed ties that sustained the party. This incident represents the final nail in the coffin, signaling that the PDP in Kebbi has essentially met its demise.
When a party loses its most influential leaders, it becomes nearly impossible for it to recover and pose any significant challenge to a dominant rival like the APC. With Dr. Nasir Idris at the helm in the state, the PDP’s relevance has faded completely, and its potential to compete effectively has vanished.
The trio of Senators Adamu Aliero, Garba Maidoki, and Yahaya Abdullahi have long been the backbone of the PDP, skillfully guiding the party through turbulent times. Their defection has elicited strong reactions from party members in Kebbi, who realize that these senators represented the best chance for future electoral success. Their departure is reminiscent of high-ranking generals abandoning a battlefield—deeply painful and disheartening for the party.
Examining the careers of these three individuals reveals their political acumen and sagacity. Their victories in a strong APC-dominated environment showcased their capabilities. As the PDP loses ground, the APC’s strength grows, setting the stage for the upcoming 2027 elections, which now seem all but secured for the ruling party. Any glimmer of hope for the PDP has been extinguished, and a one-party dominance in Kebbi appears inevitable.
Some critics may argue that this trend poses a threat to democracy; however, in a state like Kebbi, where a strong leader such as Dr. Nasir Idris has emerged, a unified political front could be the catalyst needed for meaningful growth and development.
While a one-party system can potentially hinder participatory democracy if led autocratically, the emergence of Dr. Nasir Idris as Governor, along with his transparent governance and broad popular support, provides reassurance that a one-party landscape could yield positive outcomes for Kebbi.
If a one-party arrangement promotes development, enhances democratic benefits, fosters inclusivity, and brings the community together, it could well be embraced in Kebbi state. Historically, the multi-party system in the state failed to deliver significant infrastructure improvements or economic progress, suggesting that the current approach may not suit our needs.
Any structure capable of producing more leaders like Nasir Idris—regardless of its label—is what Kebbi needs to spur development and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. While we empathize with the PDP over its dramatic decline, we remain hopeful about the promising future that lies ahead for our state.
Yakubu Ahmed BK is the Commissioner of Information & Culture, Kebbi State.May 13, 2025
