News

By Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi

As the 2027 general elections approach, growing political awareness and a renewed demand for accountability are shifting the political landscape in Kebbi State—and unsettling long-entrenched political figures.

According to political analyst Abdullahi Zuru, the electorate in Kebbi and across Nigeria is beginning to reject the era of political “bigmanism” and recycled, unproductive leadership. “Today’s voters are no longer swayed by empty titles or wealth,” Zuru said. “They are now demanding leaders with a verifiable record of service, integrity, and developmental impact.”

Zuru pointed to Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu) as a prime example of this shift. Before entering politics, Governor Idris was a career teacher who rose to become National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). His leadership in these roles earned him national recognition and deep grassroots support, especially across the Gwandu Emirate.

“During his years in unionism, ‘Nasir NUT,’ as he was popularly known, impacted lives positively—rehabilitating school infrastructure and providing vital teaching materials long before he became governor,” Zuru noted.

When Idris eventually joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), his reputation as a people-centered leader gave him an edge, even against deep-pocketed political actors with longstanding ambitions. His widespread goodwill helped him clinch the APC governorship ticket and ultimately win the 2023 election.

Since assuming office, Governor Idris has focused on inclusive governance—consulting party stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, and non-partisan elders in major decisions. This open-door leadership style has translated into visible developmental progress acknowledged by both residents and independent observers.

His close relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also brought significant federal attention and resources to Kebbi. Notable projects facilitated under this alliance include:

• Revocation and takeover of the long-abandoned Koko-Zuru federal road project by the Kebbi State Government

• Reconstruction of key routes including Malando-Warra, Maga-Gamji, and Natsini-Kangiwa-Kamba roads

• Allocation of 250 kilometers of the 1,600-kilometer Illela to Badagry Super Highway to Kebbi

• Federal commitment to end political hijacking of appointments into national boards and commissions

“These achievements have made Governor Nasir Idris a formidable force, and understandably a source of worry for self-serving politicians eyeing 2027,” Zuru stated.

He condemned what he described as a desperate smear campaign being mounted against the governor by political opponents threatened by his growing popularity.

“At this point in our democracy, especially in Kebbi, the people are wise. The loyalty of Governor Nasir Idris to President Tinubu is firm, and his commitment to the APC’s unity is unshakable,” Zuru said. “His stance is clear: ‘No retreat, no surrender, and no political prostitution.’”

Zuru urged those fueling political tension and false narratives to abandon their “cowardly acts of frustration” and instead focus on preparing for the 2027 elections through genuine engagement with the people.

The post 2027: Gov. Nasir Idris’ Rising Popularity Rattles Political Heavyweights in Kebbi — Abdullahi Zuru appeared first on The Bureau Newspaper.

By Andrew Haruna
KAIAMA, KWARA STATE – The Nigerian Army has apprehended no fewer than 12 suspects believed to be connected with terrorist activities orchestrated by a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, identified as the Mahmuda group.

The insurgent faction had reportedly taken over the Kainji Lake National Park, turning it into a base of operations for terrorizing residents in nearby border communities.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Onubogu, confirmed the arrests during a visit to military camps within the affected regions. The arrests, he stated, were made during a series of coordinated raids in Baruten and Kaiama Local Government Areas of Kwara State, and Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

General Onubogu revealed that two of the detained individuals have been positively identified as active members of the Mahmuda-led insurgent group, while the remaining suspects are currently under investigation for suspected complicity in terror activities.

The GOC emphasized that the operation—codenamed Operation Park Strike Four—was initiated to dismantle terrorist cells, flush out bandits, and secure the Kainji Lake National Park and surrounding areas. According to him, troops have combed over 90 kilometers of forest terrain, from Kemanji into the heart of the Kainji forest, where a strong operational base has now been established.

“Our troops have made significant progress. We have successfully dislodged the bandits and are restoring peace to the region,” General Onubogu said.

He further disclosed that the ongoing military campaign is in line with directives from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, to maintain a continuous military presence across the forest corridor and border communities to ensure lasting security for the affected populations.

Security operations are expected to continue in full force until the insurgent threat is completely neutralized and normalcy fully restored in the region.

The post Troops Bust Mahmuda Camp, Arrest 12 in Kainji Lake Sweep appeared first on The Bureau Newspaper.