By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Stakeholders in Kebbi South Senatorial District have endorsed Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah for a return to the National Assembly, urging the All Progressives Congress (APC) to respect the will of the people in its forthcoming primaries.

The endorsement was made at a town hall meeting in Zuru, Kebbi State, attended by residents from Zuru and Yauri Emirates, Thursday, April 30th, 2026, where participants expressed concern over what they described as declining representation and slow pace of development in the zone.

Kebbi South, which comprises seven local government areas four in Zuru Emirate (Zuru, Sakaba, Danko/Wasagu and Fakai LGA) and three in Yauri Emirate (Yauri, Shanga and Ngaski LGA), has continued to face challenges of insecurity and limited socio-economic growth, which stakeholders linked to ineffective representation in recent years.

Speaking on behalf of the group, a political stakeholder from Zuru, Ibrahim Ahmad, said the decision to back Na’Allah was based on his performance while in office.

“During his time, we witnessed tangible projects and interventions across the zone. Since then, progress has not been the same,” he said.

Participants at the meeting urged the APC leadership to avoid imposing candidates through consensus arrangements, warning that such actions could undermine democratic processes and worsen the district’s challenges.

A former Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano and Kebbi states, Dr Isah Likita, said the large turnout at the meeting underscored the level of voluntary support for the former senator.

Similarly, a constitutional lawyer and political analyst, Barrister Ibrahim Amadu Rege, described Na’Allah as the most suitable candidate to address the district’s challenges, citing his track record in office.

He called on the party to prioritise candidates with proven grassroots support, noting that the unity and stability of the zone depend on credible representation.

Also speaking, a women leader, Justina Solomon Doro, said many women and youths benefited from empowerment and skills acquisition programmes initiated during Na’Allah’s tenure.

“We are solidly behind him because of the positive impact he made in our communities,” she said.

As the APC prepares for its primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections, stakeholders in Kebbi South say their endorsement reflects a collective demand for experienced and people-oriented leadership in the Senate.