The political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections gathered momentum on Tuesday as the Senator representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, Garba Musa Maidoki, formally defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing unresolved internal disputes within the ruling party.

Maidoki announced his defection in a letter read on the floor of the Senate during plenary, declaring that the APC had failed to uphold the principles of justice, peace and unity that it professes.

In the letter addressed to the President of the Senate and fellow lawmakers, the senator said persistent internal disagreements in the party, particularly in Kebbi State, had compelled him to seek an alternative political platform.

According to him, events surrounding the recently concluded party primary elections in the state exposed deep cracks within the APC and undermined confidence in the party’s commitment to fairness and inclusiveness.

He stated that his decision to join the ADC was informed by his conviction that the party offers a more credible platform for advancing the interests of his constituents and pursuing his political objectives.

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

The announcement triggered a brief exchange in the chamber as Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, who presided over plenary, appealed to Maidoki to reconsider his decision.

Barau maintained that there was no crisis within the APC in Kebbi State and offered to mediate whatever disagreements might have prompted the senator’s exit.

“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,” he said.

The Deputy Senate President suggested that the disagreement might be personal rather than political, adding that he was willing to facilitate reconciliation.

However, after concerns were raised by lawmakers over the propriety of his remarks, Barau acknowledged the procedural issues and refrained from making further comments on the matter.

Maidoki’s departure marks another setback for the ruling party and strengthens the ADC’s growing presence in the National Assembly amid increasing political manoeuvring ahead of the next election cycle.

With the latest defection, the APC retains a dominant position in the Senate with 86 members, while the ADC’s strength rises to eight senators. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) each hold four seats, while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Accord Party and Labour Party have one senator each.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) currently has no representation in the upper legislative chamber.
Political observers say the defection underscores the intensifying struggle for influence among political parties as alliances and loyalties continue to shift in preparation for the 2027 general elections.