2027: The politicisation of banditry for deceitful campaign

By Abdullahi Idris Sadaukin Zuru

As the build-up to the 2027 elections gathers momentum, the persistence of armed banditry in the country, particularly in northern states, is allegedly being used by opposition parties as a campaign tool.
Banditry, which has persisted for over 20 years, remains a major challenge despite human and financial resources expended by federal and state governments.
In Kebbi State, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration says it has been complementing federal efforts through procurement of about 200 Hilux vehicles, over 10,000 motorcycles, and periodic review of monthly allowances for officers in the field.

It also cites arrangements for resettlement, feeding, clothing, comfort, security and financial assistance for victims, and weekly operational strategy reviews by the State Security Council chaired by Governor Comrade Nasir Idris, comprising the Brigade Commander, Commissioner of Police, Director of State Security and other stakeholders.
The report alleges that the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its governorship candidate, former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, lacking a verifiable track record of community development, have designed a campaign strategy based on fabrication of baseless allegations, incitement of civil servants, and propaganda on security.
An attempt to incite civil servants with pledges of a befitting Secretariat and enhanced rights was said to have failed, with NLC State Chairman Comrade Murtala Usman describing the pledges as baseless at a press conference, stating: “We have one of the best state Secretariats in the country, the rights and privileges of workers are being paid as at when due and above all trade unions are being carried along in the governance of the state.”
As campaigns progressed, ADC leaders and candidates were reported to have begun visiting Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the state, for the first time allegedly pretending sympathy.
In Jega, the ADC governorship candidate and former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami was alleged to have foolishly shed “crocodile tears,”.
The party’s House of Representatives candidate for koko/Besse/Maiyama, Alhaji Shehu Muhammed Koko was alleged to have shamelessly staged an emotional display, insensitivity and high level of arrogance at a condolence visit described as insult on the sensitivity of the banditry victims.
The ADC’S candidate Abubakar Malami was noted to be facing prosecution in different courts over alleged accumulation of questionable wealth while in office, with reports that courts ordered seizure of about 50 properties and freezing of 47 bank accounts.
The alleged drama was said to have come after Governor Idris’s visit to Sakaba, Danko/Wasagu and Shanga LGAs affected by banditry, during which he announced additional sophisticated armoured vehicles and military personnel including civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), and at Wasagu provided N100 million for upkeep of displaced persons and N10 million for vigilantes assisting security personnel.
Meanwhile, considering the unreversebly mindset of the people of Kebbi State on their absolute confidence and strong belief on the capacity and commitment of Comrade Governor Nasir Idris to sustain the unprecedented socio-economic development in the, it is apparent that no amount of blackmail, deceitful devise and fabrication of falsehood can change the People’s belief on no alternative to Comrade Governor Nasir Idris in 2027.