Senator Garba Maidoki, who represents Kebbi South Senatorial District, has officially defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing unresolved internal disputes within the ruling party in Kebbi State.
Maidoki announced his defection in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The letter was read during Tuesday’s plenary session at the Senate.
The lawmaker currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation.
Explaining the reason for his decision, Maidoki said the lingering crisis within the APC, particularly those linked to the party’s recent primary elections in Kebbi State, informed his move.
According to him, extensive consultations with his constituents also played a key role in the decision.
“There is a lingering internal crisis in the APC, especially arising from the Kebbi primary elections. After due consultation with my constituents, I have decided to defect to the ADC, which I believe aligns more with the interests of my district,” Maidoki stated.
The senator was among several aspirants reportedly screened out of the APC primaries in Kebbi State, a development that sparked dissatisfaction among some party members.
During the plenary, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, appealed to Maidoki to reconsider his decision. Barau maintained that the issues within the Kebbi APC were not beyond resolution.
“I wish to intervene and plead with the distinguished senator to rescind his decision. There is no internal problem in the APC in Kebbi State. This is more of a family dispute and we can reconcile. I move that this defection be stepped down for reconciliation,” Barau said.
However, Maidoki declined the appeal, insisting that he had already made up his mind to leave the ruling party.
His defection follows his earlier resignation from the APC in May 2026, ahead of the party’s senatorial primary election. The resignation was conveyed in a letter dated May 14, 2026, addressed to the APC Ward Chairman of Rafin Zuru Ward in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Maidoki’s move adds to the growing list of politicians abandoning the APC for the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections. The trend has been largely driven by dissatisfaction with party primaries and internal disputes across several states.
Political observers believe the latest defection could further reshape political alignments in Kebbi State as preparations for the next election cycle gather momentum.
