Kebbi Senator Garba Maidoki Quits APC Hours Before Primary Citing Internal Crisis

Senator Garba Musa Maidoki has resigned from the All Progressives Congress just hours before the party’s senatorial primary scheduled for Monday, May 18. The Kebbi South Senatorial District lawmaker cited internal crisis and manipulation of the primary process as reasons for his departure.

Maidoki’s resignation, contained in a letter dated May 14, 2026, was addressed to the APC Ward Chairman of Rafin Zuru Ward in Zuru Local Government Area. The timing has sent ripples through Kebbi State politics, where the ruling party already faces internal fractures.

Internal Crisis Within APC Kebbi

“This decision follows the persistent internal crises within the party, which have continued to pose serious concerns to my political aspirations,” Maidoki wrote in his resignation letter. He thanked the party for the opportunity to serve under its platform.

The senator currently chairs the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance and serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation. His exit marks another blow to APC’s unity in Kebbi State.

The APC-Malami Political Feud

Kebbi State has been embroiled in a political feud between APC factions aligned with different power centers. The Maidoki defection adds another layer to the ongoing struggle between Governor Nasir Idris and former Attorney General of the Federation, Abdulmalik Malami.

Malami himself has been at odds with the state government, with public exchanges growing increasingly hostile. In recent weeks, the Kebbi government described Malami as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” signaling deepening rifts within the party establishment.

2027 Election Implications

Maidoki’s resignation comes as APC prepares for critical primaries across Nigeria. The defection raises speculation about where he will land politically and whether other lawmakers might follow suit.

Political observers note that the timing suggests Maidoki may have secured alternative political backing. His next move could influence the balance of power in Kebbi South and potentially trigger a cascade of realignments ahead of 2027.

Pattern of Late Defections

The last-minute nature of Maidoki’s exit mirrors a broader trend among Nigerian politicians who wait until primary processes are underway before making moves. This strategy maximizes leverage while minimizing time spent outside party structures.

APC officials in Kebbi have yet to issue a formal response to the resignation. The party’s senatorial primary proceeds Monday without Maidoki’s participation.

Sources: Punch Newspapers, TheCable, Daily Post