Kebbi APC elder urges opposition to halt personal attacks ahead of 2027 polls

Sani Hukuma Zauro Zannan Gwandu, the chairman of the Kebbi All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Forum, has issued a strong appeal to political actors in the state to abandon personal attacks and rhetoric of hatred. Speaking to journalists in Zauro, the APC elder specifically targeted opposition members, urging them to desist from vilifying serving political leaders as the nation moves closer to the 2027 general elections. His intervention comes at a time of heightened political tension in Kebbi State, where exchanges between the ruling party and its challengers have become increasingly acrimonious.

Zannan Gwandu criticised the current political climate, describing the manner in which the opposition addresses the APC-led government at both federal and state levels as unglamorous. He argued that the use of abusive language by opposition parties is a tactic used to score political points rather than a genuine attempt to engage with the electorate. According to the APC elder, such conduct smacks of blackmail, with some opposition politicians accused of using personal attacks to undermine the reputation of those currently in office. He emphasized that this approach is detrimental to the democratic process and the dignity of public service.

Instead of engaging in character assassination, Zannan Gwandu urged politicians to shift their focus to substantive issues. He called on all political actors to present their policies and manifestos to voters, allowing citizens to make informed decisions based on governance plans rather than personal animosity. The APC chairman of the Elders Forum stressed that the political discourse should be elevated to a level that respects the institutions of the state and the rights of citizens to hear clear policy proposals. His remarks were made in the context of the upcoming 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State, which is expected to be a significant contest.

Background

The comments by Sani Hukuma Zauro Zannan Gwandu occur against the backdrop of growing exchanges between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State. As the 2027 elections approach, political parties in the state are intensifying their activities to secure support for their candidates. The ADC, as a major opposition force, has been engaged in a series of public statements and campaigns that the APC leadership views as aggressive and personal in nature. The APC Elders Forum, a body comprising senior party members, often plays a role in guiding the party’s political stance and mediating internal or external conflicts. Zannan Gwandu’s intervention reflects the APC’s concern over the tone of the political debate, which they believe has strayed from policy-based discourse into personal vilification.

Why it matters

The call for a change in political tone is significant for the stability and integrity of the upcoming electoral process in Kebbi State. If the political discourse remains focused on personal attacks and abuse, it may deepen divisions among the electorate and erode trust in the democratic system. Voters may find it difficult to assess the merits of competing platforms if the campaign is dominated by negative rhetoric. Furthermore, the involvement of senior party elders in calling for restraint signals the seriousness with which the APC views the current situation. The outcome of the 2027 governorship election will determine the leadership of the state for the next term, making the nature of the campaign crucial for the future governance of Kebbi. The tension between the APC and ADC highlights the competitive nature of the political landscape in the state, where both parties are vying for control.

What happens next

While the sources do not specify immediate next steps or dates for further actions, the political dynamics in Kebbi State are likely to continue evolving as the 2027 elections draw nearer. Both the APC and the ADC are expected to continue their campaign activities, with the APC potentially responding to the criticism of the opposition’s conduct. The APC Elders Forum may further engage in dialogue or issue additional statements to promote a more civil political environment. The opposition parties, including the ADC, have not yet responded to Zannan Gwandu’s specific remarks in the provided text, but their ongoing activities will likely shape the narrative of the pre-election period. The focus will remain on how each party presents its case to the voters, with the potential for further exchanges as the election date approaches.