Senator Garba Musa Maidoki defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State.
The senator, who represents Kebbi South Senatorial District, cited persistent internal crises in the party, particularly in Kebbi State.
Maidoki formally announced his defection in a letter addressed to the Sentate President Godswill Akpabio, which was read during plenary.
In the letter, the lawmaker attributed his decision to the unresolved internal disputes in APC, which he said had negatively affected his political aspiration and confidence in the party’s leadership.
“I am writing to inform the President of the Senate and my distinguished colleagues of my defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” the Senator stated.
According to him, the APC had failed to live up to its proclaimed ideals of justice, peace and unity, particularly during the recently concluded party primaries in Kebbi State.
He maintained that the ADC offers a better platform for advancing his constituents’ interests and pursuing his political objectives.
“The APC has not exhibited its slogan of justice, peace and unity, especially in Kebbi State during the just-concluded primary elections,” Maidoki said.
He added that his decision was informed by his conviction that the ADC’s leadership and ideals are better positioned to serve the interests of Kebbi South Senatorial District and Nigerians at large.
However, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary, attempted to persuade the lawmaker to reconsider his decision, insisting that there was no internal crisis within the APC in Kebbi State.
“But before I read your signature, let me ask that you allow me to intervene and reconcile you. I know there is no internal problem in the APC in Kebbi State,” Barau said.
“It might be a family dispute. If you allow me, I can come in to reconcile with you.”
Moments later, Barau acknowledged concerns raised by some lawmakers over his intervention and stepped back from the matter.
“Well, I have been drawn to the fact that I should not descend into the arena. Therefore, your decision is noted,” he said before concluding the announcement of the defection.
MAidoki’s defection is the latest in a series of political realignments within the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Following the development, the APC retains its dominant position in the Senate with 86 members, while the ADC’s strength has risen to eight senators.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Democratic Congress (NDC) each have four senators. In contrast, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Accord Party, and Labour Party each have one Senator.
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) currently has no representation in the upper legislative chamber.
