Senator Garba Maidoki, representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing internal crises and alleged injustice within the ruling party. The defection was announced on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, June 23, after his letter was read by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the opening of plenary.
Reasons for Defection
In the letter addressed to the Senate President and lawmakers, Maidoki explained that his decision followed developments within the APC that had affected his political direction. He stated, 'I am writing to inform Your Excellency, the President of the Senate, and my distinguished colleagues of my defection from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the African Democratic Congress, ADC. My decision is based on the lingering internal crisis of the APC that has made my political inspiration a source of concern.'
Maidoki believes the ADC provides a better platform to pursue the interests of his constituents and contribute to national development. He also accused the APC of failing to uphold its principles of justice, peace, and unity, particularly during recent primary elections in Kebbi State.
Deputy Senate President Disputes Crisis Claim
However, Barau Jibrin disagreed with Maidoki's claim, saying he believed there was no internal crisis within the party. Jibrin offered to mediate between Maidoki and APC stakeholders, stating, 'But I beg to disagree with you here. There is no internal crisis in the APC.'
Maidoki currently chairs the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance and serves as vice-chairman of the Committee on Information and National Orientation.
Other Defections Signal Political Realignment
In a related development, Godfrey Gaiya, aide to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, also left the APC and joined the ADC, signalling a major pre-2027 political realignment. Gaiya has declared his intention to contest the Kaduna South Senatorial seat, emphasizing public demand for welfare-focused and inclusive politics as a reason for the party switch.
