Kebbi APC Faces Growing Political Turmoil as Opposition Forces Gain Momentum Ahead of 2027.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu Democracy Newsline Northern Bureau Chief
May 20, 2026
Kebbi State, located in Nigeria’s North-West region, is gradually sliding into intense political uncertainty as internal crisis continues to weaken the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). What was once regarded as one of the strongest political strongholds of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Nasiru Idris Kauran Gwandu is now witnessing growing discontent, division, and resistance from both party members and the general public.
An extensive investigation conducted by Democracy Newsline Newspaper across Kebbi South Senatorial District revealed widespread dissatisfaction among residents who accused the state government of political favoritism, neglect of public welfare, and failure to address critical security challenges confronting communities across the state.
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According to political observers, the APC in Kebbi State is facing one of its most difficult moments since assuming power. The party is reportedly engulfed in internal confusion, leadership crisis, and lack of political direction, especially following disagreements over candidate selection and allegations of injustice against key political figures within the party.
During an interview with Democracy Newsline Newspaper, Alhaji Alhassan Fakai stated that many residents of Kebbi South have completely withdrawn their support for the APC due to what he described as poor governance and increasing insecurity in the state.
He noted that the people no longer see convincing reasons to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or the APC in the next general election.
“The people of Kebbi South have resolved to reject APC in 2027. Many of us supported the party because of Senator Garba Musa Maidoki. But today, the situation has changed completely,” he said.
He further alleged that Governor Nasiru Idris Kauran Gwandu’s administration has failed to meet public expectations in terms of development, social welfare, and security improvement.
Political analysts believe several factors could contribute to APC’s possible defeat in Kebbi State during the 2027 elections therefore
the ruling party is currently facing serious internal disagreements over leadership style and candidate imposition. Critics accuse Governor Nasiru Idris Kauran Gwandu of running the party like a personal political structure where dissenting voices are sidelined or removed.
Many party members are unhappy over allegations that candidates for senatorial positions in Kebbi North, Central, and South were allegedly handpicked without proper consultations or transparent primary elections. The reported endorsement of retired General Yahaya Gajere as APC senatorial candidate for Kebbi South allegedly without broad party consensus has further deepened resentment among party supporters in the region.
The political departure or weakening relationship between Senator Garba Musa Maidoki and APC is seen as a major setback for the ruling party in Kebbi South. Many residents reportedly view Maidoki as one of the few political leaders actively supporting grassroots development, youth empowerment, and security interventions in the district. His influence continues to attract sympathy and loyalty from many communities.
Political observers warn that if Senator Maidoki eventually aligns with another opposition platform, APC may face serious electoral consequences.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside PDP and other opposition groups, is rapidly gaining acceptance across Kebbi State, especially among youths and dissatisfied APC supporters.
Investigations suggest that ADC is actively mobilizing influential politicians and grassroots structures ahead of 2027. Reports indicate that several opposition groups are making strategic moves to attract prominent political figures, including Senator Maidoki, in order to strengthen their chances against APC.
The increasing popularity of ADC is largely driven by public frustration over insecurity, unemployment, economic hardship, and perceived political injustice within the ruling party.
Many residents believe the opposition now represents a credible alternative capable of challenging APC dominance in Kebbi State.
One of the most controversial developments in Kebbi politics is the alleged involvement of traditional rulers in partisan political activities.
Several community members accused a prominent traditional ruler in Kebbi South of openly supporting APC and allegedly using the influence of the emirate system to weaken opposition figures, particularly Senator Garba Musa Maidoki.
Critics argue that traditional institutions are expected to remain neutral and serve as symbols of unity, peace, and cultural preservation. They warn that direct participation in partisan politics could damage the integrity and public trust associated with traditional leadership.
According to findings by Democracy Newsline Newspaper, some political stakeholders accused the Emir of Zuru of maintaining close political alignment with Governor Nasiru Idris Kauran Gwandu and APC leadership.
The Emir was allegedly accused of participating in political meetings and supporting efforts aimed at denying Senator Garba Musa Maidoki an APC ticket ahead of future elections. Although these allegations remain politically sensitive, critics insist that such involvement could have serious implications for the Zuru Emirate and the broader traditional institution. Traditional rulers are historically regarded as fathers to all citizens regardless of political affiliation, therefore open political involvement may divide communities and reduce public confidence in the throne.
Once royal institutions become politically aligned, future governments may attempt to influence or replace traditional rulers based on political loyalty rather than cultural legitimacy. Many residents fear that the dignity, neutrality, and respect traditionally associated with emirates may gradually decline if rulers become active political actors. Therefore Political analysts warn that if another party takes power in the future, the throne itself could become vulnerable to political attacks or interference.
A palace insider, who spoke anonymously, reportedly expressed disappointment over the alleged politicization of the Zuru Emirate, noting that previous rulers maintained distance from partisan politics and focused mainly on traditional leadership and community unity. Observers also pointed to recent controversies surrounding traditional institutions in Kano State as an example of the dangers associated with political interference involving royal authorities.
Analysts argue that when monarchs become deeply involved in politics, the institution itself may eventually become vulnerable to political instability, public criticism, and legal disputes.
Therefore Residents across several communities accused the Kebbi State Government of neglecting public concerns while focusing heavily on political battles.
Critics also alleged that Governor Nasiru Idris Kauran Gwandu has failed to unite party members and instead encouraged division within APC through alleged favoritism and exclusion.
Political observers say the governor may face serious challenges retaining APC dominance if urgent reconciliation measures are not implemented before 2027.
As the 2027 elections approach, Kebbi State appears to be entering a defining political moment. The internal crisis within APC, rising strength of opposition parties like ADC, growing dissatisfaction among citizens, and the controversial involvement of traditional rulers in partisan politics are collectively reshaping the political landscape of the state.
Whether APC can survive the mounting pressure may depend largely on its ability to rebuild public trust, resolve internal conflicts, and address accusations of injustice and political exclusion.
For many observers, the situation in Kebbi State serves as a broader lesson on the dangers of political intolerance, weak internal democracy, and the consequences of involving traditional institutions in partisan politics.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MAY 20 TH 2026)
