The lawmaker representing Kebbi South Senatorial District, Senator Garba Musa Maidoki, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, formally defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing unresolved internal disputes within the ruling party.
His defection was announced in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate and read during plenary.
In the letter, Maidoki said prolonged internal disagreements within the APC, particularly in Kebbi State, had weakened party cohesion and undermined its principles of justice, peace, and unity.
He also pointed to the recently concluded APC primary elections in Kebbi State, which he said significantly influenced his decision to leave the party, arguing that the process fell short of the party’s stated ideals.
“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 stated.
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Maidoki said his move to the ADC was driven by the need for a more stable and responsive platform to advance his legislative priorities and better serve his constituents.
The announcement drew brief reaction on the Senate floor, where Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, urged reconsideration, insisting the APC remained stable in Kebbi State and calling for internal reconciliation.
However, following objections from some lawmakers on procedural grounds, the Deputy Senate President stepped back and allowed the communication to proceed without further debate.
Maidoki’s defection adds to ongoing political realignments in the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With the latest shift, the APC retains 89 seats in the 109-member Senate, while the ADC now holds eight. The Peoples Democratic Party has five, the Nigeria Democratic Congress four, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Accord Party, and Labour Party hold one seat each. The New Nigeria Peoples Party remains unrepresented in the chamber.