APC loses senator as Maidoki defects to ADC, cites crisis in party

From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday lost one of its senators in the National Assembly after Garba Musa Maidoki, representing Kebbi South, defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reducing the party’s strength in the Senate to 89 members.

Maidoki formally announced his defection in a letter addressed to the Senate and read during plenary, citing unresolved internal crises within the APC, particularly in Kebbi State.

The lawmaker said persistent disputes within the party and dissatisfaction with the conduct of its recent primary elections in the state compelled him to seek an alternative political platform.

“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),” he stated in the letter.

According to him, the APC had failed to uphold the principles of justice, peace and unity which it professes.

“The All Progressives Congress has not exhibited its slogan of justice, peace and unity, particularly in Kebbi State during the just-concluded primary elections,” he said.

He added that the ADC offered a more suitable platform to pursue his political aspirations and effectively represent the interests of his constituents.

He expressed confidence in the party’s leadership and ideals, saying they align more closely with his vision for quality representation and service delivery.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary, attempted to persuade the senator to reconsider his decision, insisting there was no crisis within the APC in Kebbi State.

“But, before I read your letter, 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.

He further suggested that the disagreement might be personal rather than political.

“It might be because of a family dispute. If you allow me, I can come in to reconcile you,” he added.

However, following objections from lawmakers who pointed to parliamentary procedure, the Deputy Senate President refrained from making further comments on the matter.

“Well, he has drawn my attention to the fact that I should not descend into the arena. So, your suggestion is upheld,” Barau said.

Maidoki’s defection is the latest in a series of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections and provides a further boost to the growing presence of the ADC in the National Assembly.

Following the development, the APC now holds 89 seats in the 109-member Senate. The ADC’s representation has increased to eight senators, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has five senators and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has four. The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Accord Party and Labour Party have one senator each, while the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has no senator in the chamber.