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A shocking turn of events has occurred in the Nigerian senatorial election as Garba Maidoki, a first-term senator, has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after being disqualified from the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening process.

Maidoki, who represents Kebbi South Senatorial District, announced his resignation from the APC in a letter read by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, during Tuesday's plenary.

This move comes after Maidoki was initially elected to the Senate in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later defected to the APC in May 2025 alongside two other Kebbi senators, Adamu Aliero and Yahaya Abdullahi.

However, during the APC primary election held in May, Maidoki was screened out of the process and was unable to contest for the party's senatorial ticket for a second term.

Maidoki was among three serving senators disqualified from participating in the exercise, alongside Benson Agadaga and Banigo Ipalibo.

In his resignation letter, Maidoki accused the APC of failing to uphold its core values, particularly during the recently concluded primary elections in Kebbi State.

He also stated that the internal crisis within the APC has made his political inspiration a source of concern and that he believes the ideas of the ADC are better for the benefit of his senatorial district and Nigeria at large.

Maidoki's defection may have significant implications for the senatorial election and the APC's chances in Kebbi State.

The constitution permits lawmakers to defect under certain conditions, and the electoral act requires political parties to submit their membership registers to INEC at least 30 days before their primary elections.

However, by defecting at this stage, Maidoki may not be recognized as a valid member of the ADC for the purpose of contesting the 2027 election.

Only time will tell if Maidoki's defection will have a significant impact on the senatorial election and the APC's chances in Kebbi State.

### Key Facts:

  • Garba Maidoki is a first-term senator representing Kebbi South Senatorial District.
  • Maidoki was disqualified from the APC screening process and unable to contest for the party's senatorial ticket for a second term.
  • The APC primary election was held in May 2026.
  • Maidoki defected to the ADC in June 2026.
  • The electoral act requires political parties to submit their membership registers to INEC at least 30 days before their primary elections.

### Context:

The APC has been embroiled in internal crisis in recent months, with several senators and governors defecting to other parties.

This development is a significant blow to the APC's chances in Kebbi State, which has been a stronghold of the party.

The ADC has welcomed Maidoki's defection and has vowed to support him in the senatorial election.

The implications of this development are far-reaching and will be closely watched by political observers.

### The Senator's Own Words:

"The All Progressives Congress APC has not exhibited its slogan as justice, peace, and unity, especially in Kebbi State during the just concluded primary elections."

Garba Maidoki, in his resignation letter to the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin

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