One week after being endorsed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Kebbi State in the 2027 general elections, Governor Nasir Idris has begun a round of visits to emirs in the state to seek their blessings.

The first leg of the visit took place on Saturday at the palace of the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Ilyasu Bashar.

The Governor was accompanied by a prominent APC stakeholder in the state.

According to a statement issued by Abdullahi Idris Sadaukin Zuru, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Kebbi State Governor, the entourage included former Governor Ambassador Sa’idu Nasamu Dakingari, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, APC State Chairman Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Kana Zuru, as well as friends and political associates.

At the palace, Governor Idris said he was there to formally notify the Emir of the APC’s resolution to unanimously endorse him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s candidates in the forthcoming elections.

He also requested special prayers for God’s guidance and blessings as they proceed with their political activities. He noted that the Emir, a descendant of the renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Abdullahi Ibn Fodio, holds significant spiritual authority.

The governor stressed that the visit was not for electioneering campaigns, pointing out that traditional rulers are apolitical and campaigns have not been authorised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He said the visit follows an established tradition in the state, recalling that he was part of similar delegations that visited the palace with governorship candidates in 1999, 2007, 2011, and 2014.

He added that former Presidents Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan, Buhari, and most recently Tinubu, had also made similar visits to seek prayers and blessings.

Governor Idris, who holds the traditional title of Kauran Gwandu, asked the Emir to bless the endorsement of himself and President Tinubu by APC members and to pray for God’s guidance toward eventual victory at the polls.

He said both he and President Tinubu have maintained cordial relations with traditional institutions, citing their commitment to improving the welfare of the people.

Receiving the governor and his entourage, the Emir, who is also Chairman of the Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, expressed gratitude for the gesture. He prayed for God’s guidance and pledged to be fair and just to all.

He reminded politicians that public awareness of civic rights has grown, and urged them to consider candidates with the capacity and a track record of selfless service.

From Birnin Kebbi, Governor Idris proceeded to Argungu, where he visited the Emir, Alhaji Samaila Mera. The Emir commended the governor for the milestones achieved by his administration and prayed for continued guidance and blessings. He also called for hitch-free campaigns.

Governor Idris is expected to make similar visits to the Yauri and Zuru Emirates.