Kebbi APC coalition urges Bagudu to drop 2027 ambition, warns against party division
A coalition of All Progressives Congress, APC, support groups in Kebbi State has appealed to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, to shelve any plans to contest in the 2027 elections, warning that such a move could destabilize the party and weaken its electoral prospects.
The appeal was contained in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Friday by the Chairperson of the Coalition, Mustapha Ahmed, who spoke on behalf of 88 affiliated APC support groups across the state.
The group expressed concern over what it described as “unfounded and divisive statements” allegedly made by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Publicity Secretary in Kebbi, Sani Dododo.
Mr Dododo was quoted in a recent interview as saying that Senator Bagudu singlehandedly made Senator Adamu Aliero a senator in 2008 and governor in 1999.
The coalition, however, dismissed the claim as “false, misleading, and historically inaccurate,” accusing the PDP spokesman of attempting to distort facts and sow discord within the ruling party.
“The record is clear. Even Senator Bagudu’s elder brother, Hon. Bello Bagudu, challenged anyone to produce evidence that Senator Bagudu ever sponsored Senator Aliero politically — and to date, no proof has been presented,” the statement read.
According to the coalition, such comments were deliberate distractions aimed at undermining the administration of Governor Nasir Idris, whom it described as “working tirelessly to fulfill his mandate to the people of Kebbi State.”
The group lauded Governor Idris’ performance since assuming office, citing his strides in education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.
Read Also:
“In less than two years, Kauran Gwandu has achieved what past administrations could not accomplish in eight years,” the statement claimed.
While acknowledging Senator Bagudu’s past contributions as a former governor and his current role in the federal cabinet, the coalition advised him to “prioritize party unity over personal ambition.”
It warned that a renewed bid for office in 2027 could reignite factionalism and erode the APC’s support base, especially in Kebbi Central — described as the “political heartbeat” of the state.
“We must be honest with ourselves. The APC’s loss of the Kebbi Central Senatorial seat in 2023, despite Senator Bagudu being the sitting governor, remains a clear verdict by the electorate. If such divisions persist, it will only embolden the opposition and jeopardize our chances in 2027,” the group cautioned.
The coalition also accused unnamed political actors of exploiting “money politics” to create confusion among loyal party members.
It urged APC faithful to remain steadfast behind Governor Idris, whom it praised as “a people-centered leader committed to service delivery and inclusive development.”
“Our message to Distinguished Senator Atiku Bagudu is one of respect and concern for unity — not opposition,” the coalition emphasized.
“We appreciate your contributions, but the prevailing sentiment in the state suggests that your electoral value has diminished. It is time to allow new leadership to consolidate the party’s gains and secure our future.”
The coalition reaffirmed its support for both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Idris’ ongoing developmental initiatives.
“We call on all APC members and the good people of Kebbi State to remain united behind the Tinubu–Kauran Gwandu administration to sustain peace, progress, and prosperity in our dear state,” the statement concluded.
