The Chief Press Secretary to Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, has described the recent defection of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as politically irrelevant to both the state government and the people of Kebbi.
Idris told Daily Trust that the defection posed no threat to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or to Governor Nasir Idris’s popularity.
“Well, the defection of the former Attorney General is not something that the people or the government of Kebbi State will be unhappy about. In fact, we are happy he left because he didn’t add any value to our administration,” he said.
He added that the governor has a strong bond with the people, and his performance in office has solidified his political base.
“Our governor is already well-grounded in the minds of the people, and his achievements speak volumes. In fact, the people of Kebbi State are so impressed with him that they want him to continue after eight years or even go to Abuja to become the president of this country,” he said.
On Malami’s influence, Idris dismissed any concerns about the defection affecting APC’s fortunes in Kebbi.
“As for Malami, he has no political integrity in Kebbi State. He has never even won his own polling unit in any election, let alone the majority of votes across the state. So, his defection means nothing to us. We are not worried because he has no impact or value.”
Commenting on Malami’s coalition activities, he argued that such movements are not driven by service to the people but by personal ambition.
“We’re not worried at all. They cannot defeat the APC not even at the top level. If you look at the caliber of people who defected whether from APC or PDP they’re doing it purely for selfish interests, not for the people,” Idris said.
He also questioned the depth of Malami’s community engagement, citing complaints from some local youths.
“Some youths were invited for a meeting by Malami’s people about a new movement. In the end, they were abandoned. He couldn’t even support them. Some of them came to me and complained,” he said.
According to Idris, Governor Idris enjoys cross-ethnic and broad-based support, which stems from his decades of grassroots activism and public service.
“He doesn’t discriminate whether you’re Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, Benin it doesn’t matter. I’m not even from Kebbi State; I’m a Nupe man from Niger. Yet he picked me as his Chief Press Secretary. He gave appointments to Igbos, Yorubas, and others. That shows the inclusivity of his leadership,” he noted.
He pointed to the completion of the state secretariat project, rural road upgrades, and revitalization of traditional institutions as examples of the governor’s commitment to development.
“He also supported the traditional institutions, renovated palaces of the four Emirs in Kebbi, bought them official vehicles, and didn’t just leave things to contractors.”
On security and agriculture, he added: “He created operational bases in volatile areas where people couldn’t farm or sleep peacefully. Today, areas like Shanga and Yauri are safer… He purchased over 200 trucks of fertilizer and distributed them for free.”
Idris concluded by advising Malami to reconsider his political direction.
“My advice to Malami is that he should rethink his decision. Leaving the APC is a wrong move. Malami benefited from this party and grew politically under APC. He should have stayed loyal.”
“No matter what anyone does in Kebbi today, they can’t win against the goodwill, the performance, and the legacy of my principal. He has touched the lives of the masses and that’s what truly counts.”
