Senator Garba Maidoki, representing Kebbi South, has officially announced his Kebbi senator defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing internal crises and alleged injustice within the party.
The announcement was made during plenary in the Senate and formally read by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session. The development marks another high-profile political realignment within Nigeria’s legislative chamber.
In a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Maidoki explained that his decision followed prolonged concerns about the direction and internal stability of the APC.
“I am writing to inform Your Excellency, the President of the Senate, and the distinguished colleagues of my defection from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the African Democratic Congress, ADC,” the letter stated.
“My decision is based on the lingering internal crisis of the APC that has made my political inspiration a source of concern.”
The senator linked his Kebbi senator defection to what he described as unresolved conflicts within the ruling party, particularly during the recently concluded primary elections in Kebbi State. According to him, the APC has failed to uphold its core values of justice, peace, and unity, especially in how internal party processes were conducted at the state level.
“The All Progressives Congress APC has not exhibited its slogan as justice, peace, and unity, especially in Kebbi State during the just concluded primary elections,” he stated.
Maidoki further argued that the African Democratic Congress offers a more suitable platform for advancing the interests of his senatorial district and Nigeria at large. He maintained that his political aspirations would be better supported under the ADC structure.
“It is in this regard, therefore, that I wish to inform you of my defection to the African Democratic Congress, which I believe guarantees my political aspiration,” he added.
The Kebbi senator defection adds to ongoing political shifts within Nigeria’s Senate, where party loyalty has remained fluid amid internal disputes and pre-election realignments. Analysts view such movements as indicators of deeper structural tensions within major political parties, particularly ahead of future electoral cycles.
For Kebbi State, the defection could reshape political alliances and influence grassroots mobilization, especially as stakeholders reassess party strength and electoral positioning across senatorial districts. Observers note that defections of serving lawmakers often signal dissatisfaction with internal governance systems and highlight broader concerns about party cohesion and candidate selection processes.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the Kebbi senator defection underscores the growing importance of internal democracy, equitable representation, and conflict resolution mechanisms within Nigeria’s political parties. The Senate is expected to formally acknowledge the development as proceedings continue, while attention now shifts to how the ADC integrates its newest high-profile member into its legislative bloc and strategic plans.
