Kebbi Youth Group Rebuts ADC’s Allegation of Opposition Crackdown

Kebbi Youth Group Rebuts ADC’s Allegation of Opposition Crackdown

By Abdullahi Tukur, Birnin Kebbi

A socio-political organisation, Kebbi Progressives Youth, has rejected claims by the Kebbi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accusing the state government of targeting opposition members.

The ADC had, during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, alleged that the administration of Governor Nasir Idris was deploying the executive arm, judiciary, and other state institutions to intimidate and silence dissenting voices within the opposition.

According to the party, some of its officials, including the state chairman, were arrested following criticisms of the government on social media. It further claimed that the arrests were carried out on the orders of a magistrate court, with some individuals reportedly held in detention for more than two months.

However, in a swift response, Kebbi Progressives Youth dismissed the accusations as baseless and misleading. In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Hamisu Sani, the group insisted that the governor was not involved in the legal actions taken against the individuals mentioned.

Sani emphasised that law enforcement agencies and the courts operate within their constitutional mandates, noting that no individual is above the law, regardless of political affiliation.

“Opposition status does not confer immunity from legal accountability, just as being part of the ruling party does not place anyone beyond the reach of the law,” he said.

He urged those affected to pursue appropriate legal channels or seek amicable resolutions with complainants, rather than attributing their situation to political persecution.

Describing Governor Idris as a committed democrat, Sani maintained that there was no credible evidence to support claims of harassment against opposition members.

The group also praised the governor’s ongoing development initiatives and social intervention programmes, cautioning political actors against actions that could divert attention from governance.