Burning brooms do not change how Northerners cast their votes on election day

Birnin Kebbi – People in Kebbi State make their choices at the ballot box based on real issues. They look at farming support, roads, schools, health care, and good leadership. Public shows like burning brooms do not decide elections here.

In recent times, some videos on social media show groups burning brooms as a way to say they are leaving the All Progressives Congress. But many leaders and ordinary voters in Kebbi say these actions are just for cameras. What matters most is what leaders do for the people every day.

Kebbi State sits in the North West of Nigeria. It shares borders with Niger Republic and has 21 local government areas. The state is famous for its large rice farms. Many call it the Rice Bowl of the country. This farming life shapes how people think about politics and who they support.

History of Politics in Kebbi State

Kebbi State was created in 1991 from part of the old Sokoto State. Its political journey started with military leaders and then moved to civilian rule.

Early governors included military administrators. Then came elected leaders like Abubakar Musa in the 1990s. Adamu Aliero served from 1999 to 2007 under parties like the All Nigeria Peoples Party. Later, Usman Saidu Nasamu Dakingari and Abubakar Atiku Bagudu led the state. These leaders focused on basic needs of the people.

The All Progressives Congress grew strong after 2015. Atiku Bagudu, who later became a senator, helped build the party in the state. In 2023, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, a former teacher and union leader, won the governorship election for the APC. He defeated other candidates and took office in May 2023.

In the 2023 presidential election, results showed a different picture at the national level. Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party won Kebbi with 285,175 votes. Bola Tinubu of the APC came second with 248,088 votes. Peter Obi of the Labour Party got 10,682 votes, and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party had 5,038 votes.

Even though PDP won the presidential vote in the state, APC held on to the governorship. This mix shows that Kebbi voters think carefully. They do not follow one party all the time. They look at local needs first.

The Role of Agriculture in Voting Decisions

Farming is the main work for more than 80 percent of people in Kebbi. Rice, millet, sorghum, wheat, and vegetables grow well here because of rivers like the Kebbi River and good soil.

Voters often support leaders who bring water to farms, give fertilizer on time, and open better markets. During campaigns, candidates always talk about how they will help farmers.

Governor Nasir Idris started the Kaura Agricultural Development and Growth Agenda, known as KADAGE. Under this plan, the government gives farmers improved seeds, solar pumps for dry season farming, and small machines. Many farmers have received help to grow more crops even when rain is low.

One farmer in Argungu said in Hausa: "Gwamna ya kawo ruwa da takin zamani. Yanzu gonar mu tana ba mu riba fiye da da. Za mu zaɓe wanda ya ci gaba da tallafa mana." (The governor brought water and modern fertilizer. Now our farms give us more profit than before. We will vote for the one who continues to support us.)

The state government also plans big projects like ethanol and sugar factories. These will create jobs and add value to farm produce. Such steps make people feel the government cares about their daily bread.

Governor Nasir Idris and His Work So Far

Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris came from a background in teaching and labour unions. He was once the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers. This experience helps him understand the needs of workers and ordinary people.

Since he took office, his administration has worked on many areas. They build new roads in towns and villages. Examples include the Koko-Shanga-Fakai-Zuru road and many township roads in Birnin Kebbi. Better roads help farmers take their goods to market faster and reduce accidents.

In education, the government pays more attention to schools. They work to improve learning conditions and support teachers. Health care also gets focus with new equipment and better hospitals.

Security is another important area. The governor works with traditional rulers and security agencies to keep rural areas safe so farmers can work without fear.

Recently, the governor approved free distribution of grains and farm inputs to help more than one million people. This support comes during tough times and also boosts food production.

A party leader in the state said in Hausa: "Aiki da gaske ne ke nuna shugaba mai kyau. Gwamna Idris ya cika alkawari da yawa a cikin shekaru biyu. Ba wauta ba, aiki ne." (Real work shows a good leader. Governor Idris has fulfilled many promises in two years. It is not empty talk but action.)

Recent Political Moves and Unity in APC

As 2027 approaches, parties are getting ready. In May 2026, the APC in Kebbi State held a big gathering. Delegates from all 225 wards came together and chose Governor Nasir Idris as their only candidate for the next governorship election. The process was peaceful.

Governor Idris thanked the party members. He promised to work harder for the state. He also said he will deliver Kebbi State for President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

After the endorsement, the governor visited traditional rulers like the Emirs. He asked for their prayers and blessings. He told them the party has chosen him and President Tinubu together.

In Hausa, the governor often says: "Mun hada kai don ci gaban Kebbi da Najeriya. Ba za mu bar al'umma a baya ba." (We have come together for the progress of Kebbi and Nigeria. We will not leave the people behind.)

Some politicians from PDP have joined APC. One example is a former national women leader who crossed over. She said she did so because of the good work of Governor Idris. The governor welcomed such people and said there is room for everyone who wants to serve the state.

These defections show that some leaders see APC as stronger now because of performance on ground.

What Shapes Voting Patterns in Kebbi

Several things decide how people vote in the state:

Farm Support: As the main source of income, anything that helps agriculture gets attention.

Infrastructure: Roads, electricity, and water projects touch daily life.

Jobs for Youth: Many young people want opportunities in farming, small businesses, or government work.

Security: Peace in villages allows normal life.

Traditional Leaders: Emirs and district heads have big influence. People listen to their advice.

Religion: Kebbi is mostly Muslim. Religious harmony and respect for faith matter.

Past Performance: Voters remember what previous governments did or did not do.

Door-to-door campaigns and community meetings work better than online videos. Many people in rural areas do not spend much time on social media. They hear news through radio, market discussions, and mosque gatherings.

One elder in Yauri said in Hausa: "Zaɓe ba wasa ba ne. Muna duba wanda ya yi aiki da gaske. Alamar wuta ba ta kawo ruwa ga gona ba." (Election is not a game. We look at who has done real work. Burning symbols does not bring water to the farm.)

Challenges Facing the State

Like other parts of Nigeria, Kebbi faces some problems. Economic hardship affects many families. Floods sometimes destroy farms. Youth unemployment pushes some into crime.

The government works with federal authorities to solve these issues. They also partner with groups to train young people in modern farming and skills.

Opposition parties like PDP still have followers. They point to national economic issues and say change is needed. But APC leaders say they are fixing problems step by step.

Political watchers note that realignments are happening. Some big names are moving between parties as they prepare for 2027.

The Importance of Kebbi in National Politics

Kebbi has a good number of votes. It can influence who wins at the national level. The state often plays a key role in North West politics.

Leaders from Kebbi have held big positions in the past. This history makes the state important.

For 2027, all eyes will be on how the state votes. APC wants to keep control and deliver strong support for President Tinubu. Other parties will try to win back ground by talking about better promises.

Looking Ahead to 2027

Governor Nasir Idris has submitted his nomination form for a second term. He says his team has done a lot in education, health, roads, and farming. He wants to finish the work he started.

Party supporters believe unity will help them win again. They point to the successful primary and visits to royal fathers as signs of strength.

A youth leader in the APC said in Hausa: "Matasa suna ganin canji a Kebbi. Ayyukan gwamnati suna ba mu bege. Za mu kasance tare da Gwamna Idris da Shugaba Tinubu." (Youths are seeing change in Kebbi. Government projects give us hope. We will stand with Governor Idris and President Tinubu.)

Opposition groups may form alliances. They will campaign on issues like cost of living and ask for more accountability.

But many analysts say voters in Kebbi reward those who deliver visible projects. Symbols and noise may get attention for a day, but roads, water, and food last longer.

Kebbi State voters have shown they are wise. They mix respect for tradition with practical needs. History proves they do not always follow the national trend. They choose based on what helps their farms, families, and future.

As the next elections come closer, leaders must focus on real development. Burning brooms may make headlines, but building schools, fixing roads, and supporting farmers win votes.

The people of Kebbi want progress. They want leaders who listen and act. Whether APC, PDP, or others, the party that understands this will do well.