On Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issued Certificates of Return to the Governor-elect of Kebbi State, Dr Nasir Idris, and his deputy, Sen. Umar Abubakar. Prof. Sani Kalla, INEC National Commissioner in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara also issued certificates of return to 10 elected members of the State House of Assembly in the last Saturday supplementary elections.

In March, INEC had presented certificates of return to 14 winners of the March 18 House of Assembly poll in the state, bringing the total number of winners to 24. Of the 24 House of Assembly members-elect, four contested and won on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while 20 others won on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

At the certificate presentation, the governor-elect lauded the commission and security agencies for ensuring an enabling environment for the electorate to exercise their civic responsibility. He also thanked the electorate for ensuring a successful exercise and having confidence in them by giving them the mandate to steer the affairs of the state.

The governor-elect promised to tap into the natural resources of the state for the benefit of the people. He pledged to continue with the good work the current administration is undertaking and create new opportunities for the people, especially in the agricultural sector. He also promised to bring security to the southern part of the state, which has been affected by insecurity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Idris of APC polled 409,225 votes to defeat his closest rival, retired Maj.-Gen. Aminu Bande of PDP, who scored 360,940 votes. Alhaji Udu Idris of the People’s Redemption Party scored 3,103 votes.

This development is significant for Kebbi State as it marks the transition of power from the current administration to the incoming one. It also confirms the victory of the APC in the gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections, further consolidating the party’s dominance in the state. The governor-elect’s promise to tap into the natural resources of the state and create new opportunities for the people, especially in the agricultural sector, is noteworthy and may help to stimulate economic growth and development in the state. The promise to bring security to the southern part of the state, which has been affected by insecurity, is also significant as it highlights the need for the incoming administration to address the issue of insecurity in the state.