From Lawal Olarewaju, Kebbi

Barelyone week after his endorsement as the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris, has sought the support and blessing of the traditional rulers in the state for the 2027 general elections.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Alhaji Abdullahi Idris Zuru stated this in a statement in Birnin Kebbi.

Zuru explained that the Governor, at the weekend, paid a visit to the Emir of Gwandu’s palace, Birnin Kebbi, where he sought the blessings of the Emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Illiyasu Bashar.

At the palace, he requested for a special prayer for God’s guidance and blessing in the course of his political activities from the royal father, a descendant of the renowned Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Abdullahi Ibn Fodio.

“The Governor made it clear that he was not at the palace for electioneering campaigns, considering the fact that traditional rulers are apolitical and campaigns are yet to be authorised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He emphasised that the visit was part of an established tradition in the state and recalled that he was in the team that visited the Palace with the governorship candidates in 1999, 2007, 2011 and 2014. He added that he was also aware of similar visits by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’adua, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, and recently, Bola Tinubu, seeking for prayers, Allah’s guidance and blessings.

Governor Nasir requested the Emir to bless his endorsement and that of President Bola Tinubu by the members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and pray for God’s guidance for eventual victory at the polls.”

According to Zuru, Governor Idris declared that both him and President Tinubu had maintained a cordial relationship with the traditional institutions, following their commitment, dedication and selfless services towards improving the well-being of the people. The Emir, who is also Chairman of the Council of Chiefs in the state, expressed gratitude for the honour and prayed for God’s guidance for the governor.

He was quoted to have pledged to be fair and just to all and reminded the politicians to note that there had been an increase in the public awareness among the electorates of their rights.

The Emir noted that the electorates now know their right to decide the fate of politicians in democratic governance, putting into consideration the politicians with the capacity and antecedent of track record of selfless services.

He added that Governor Idris also proceeded to Argungu to visit the Emir Alhaji Samaila Mera, who commended the governor for the significant milestone achieved by his administration.

He prayed for God’s guidance and blessings for the governor’s continued efforts in developing the state and called for hitch-free electioneering campaigns.