The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kebbi State has accused the state government, led by the All Progressives Congress (APC) under Governor Nasir Idris, of weaponizing court rulings to suppress opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The PDP’s allegations, made public in May 2025, center on a series of legal actions targeting opposition leaders, which the party claims are politically motivated to weaken its influence in the state. The PDP pointed to specific court cases where its members faced charges or disqualifications, alleging that these rulings were influenced by the state government to intimidate and silence critics.
The controversy stems from a recent court decision that barred a prominent PDP figure from participating in local elections, citing procedural irregularities in their candidacy. The PDP argues that the ruling was orchestrated by the state government to eliminate strong contenders and consolidate APC’s dominance in Kebbi, a state with a history of competitive politics. The party further claims that the judiciary in Kebbi has been compromised, with judges allegedly pressured to deliver verdicts favoring the ruling party. This accusation has fueled tensions between the APC and PDP, with the opposition warning that such tactics undermine democratic principles and could lead to political unrest.
The Kebbi State Government has denied these allegations, asserting that the judiciary operates independently and that court rulings are based on legal merits. The APC administration has highlighted its efforts to improve infrastructure and education in Kebbi, arguing that its focus is on governance rather than political vendettas. However, the PDP’s accusations resonate with broader concerns about shrinking democratic space in Nigeria, where opposition parties have increasingly reported harassment through legal and administrative means.
Political analysts suggest that the situation in Kebbi reflects a national trend, as seen in similar disputes in states like Rivers and Kano, where court rulings have been used to resolve political disputes. The PDP has vowed to challenge the rulings and mobilize its supporters to resist what it calls “judicial tyranny,” setting the stage for heightened political confrontations in Kebbi.