Senator Garba Musa Maidoki, who represents Kebbi South Senatorial District, has officially defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing unresolved disputes arising from the party’s recently concluded primaries in Kebbi State. Maidoki, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance and Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation, announced his decision in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read on the floor of the Senate during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The lawmaker, who was among those excluded from the APC primaries, said his defection followed “wide consultations with constituents” and was prompted by lingering grievances stemming from the party’s internal processes.
According to him, the move was necessitated by prolonged challenges that emerged from the APC primaries, which he believes remain unresolved.
Responding to the announcement, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, appealed to Maidoki to reconsider his decision and allow room for reconciliation within the party.
“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 his decision was final.
The senator’s departure adds to a growing number of defections from the APC to the ADC in recent months, as dissatisfaction over party primaries and internal disagreements continues to drive some politicians toward opposition platforms.
With the 2027 general elections drawing closer, the ADC has increasingly emerged as a political destination for aggrieved members of the ruling party seeking alternative platforms.
Political observers believe Maidoki’s defection could further widen existing divisions within the APC in Kebbi State and reshape the political dynamics in Kebbi South ahead of future electoral contests.
