Senator Garba Maidoki Defects to ADC, Citing APC Crisis as Opposition Splits Across Nigeria

Senator Garba Musa Maidoki of Kebbi South announced his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a letter read on the Senate floor, he said the move was motivated by a “lingering internal crisis” in the APC after the party’s recent primary elections in Kebbi. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin disputed the existence of any crisis and offered to mediate, but Maidoki rejected the intervention, joining a growing list of lawmakers who have left the APC for the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Maidoki also criticised the rushed 146‑page State Police Bill, arguing that laws are being crafted for individual interests rather than national security. His comments echo broader concerns about Nigeria’s fragmented opposition: analysis of Jigawa State shows that internal divisions among the PDP, ADC, and other parties are weakening any collective challenge to the APC, leading to vote‑splitting that favours the ruling party. These dynamics highlight the APC’s strategic advantage as the country heads toward the next election cycle.