The Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Kebbi State Governor, Abdullahi Idris, has defended Governor Nasir Idris’ appointment to lead the Directorate of Labour Union Relations in President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.
Abdullahi described the appointment as appropriate, citing the governor’s extensive experience in organised labour and his political influence in Kebbi State.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the aide said the governor’s background made him well suited to coordinate relations with labour unions during the campaign.
He described the appointment as “a clear case of putting a round peg in a round hole.”
According to him, Governor Idris has spent several decades in the labour movement, holding various leadership positions within the Nigerian Union of Teachers and the Nigeria Labour Congress.
“Comrade Governor Idris brings decades of labour leadership experience to this responsibility, having served as Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers at both local and state levels, National Treasurer and President of NUT, and later Deputy National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress,” he said.
Abdullahi also credited the governor with contributing to reforms that increased the retirement age of teachers from 60 to 65 years and extended their service period from 35 to 40 years.
He said Governor Idris had also demonstrated an ability to resolve disagreements between government and organised labour.
“His capacity to build bridges between government and organised labour has been repeatedly demonstrated. His role in resolving labour disputes has also been acknowledged by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris,” the aide stated.
He further said the governor remained a respected figure among labour leaders, noting that former and serving union officials had regularly sought his advice on labour and national development issues.
Abdullahi listed Abdulwaheed Ibrahim Umar, Ayuba Wabba, Joe Ajaero and Audu Titus Amba among labour leaders who, according to him, had consulted the governor.
The aide also highlighted Governor Idris’ political activities within the All Progressives Congress, saying he had strengthened the party in Kebbi through mobilisation and reconciliation.
“The governor has successfully galvanised APC members and stakeholders across Kebbi State, including those who contested elections on other platforms and subsequently returned to the party,” he said.
He recalled that Governor Idris was the first state governor to publicly endorse President Tinubu for a second term at an APC zonal meeting in Kaduna.
According to Abdullahi, the endorsement reflected the governor’s support for Tinubu’s administration and its Renewed Hope Agenda.
“His early and unequivocal endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term demonstrates his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the leadership of the President,” he added.
Abdullahi expressed confidence that the Kebbi governor would use his experience in labour relations and politics to contribute to the campaign council’s activities.
“Insha Allah, his appointment will deliver the desired results for the Renewed Hope Agenda and contribute significantly to the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election,” he said.
