Senator Garba Maidoki links his political journey to worsening insecurity in Kebbi South, as he confirms defection from APC to ADC.
Senator Garba Maidoki, who represents Kebbi South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has said that worsening insecurity in his constituency was the primary reason he entered politics.
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Maidoki made the statement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he spoke about his political journey and recent decision to leave the All Progressives Congress for the African Democratic Congress following internal disputes within the ruling party.
The lawmaker said he had no initial ambition to join politics but was compelled by persistent security challenges affecting communities in his district.
“The only reason I joined politics is because of the insecurity in my area. I have no interest in doing politics,” Maidoki said.
He explained that communities in Kebbi South had previously attempted to rely on local arrangements to protect themselves, but the scale of insecurity eventually made political engagement necessary.
“We have done everything we can to protect ourselves at the community level. Then it dawned on us that if we use our ballot papers wisely, it is better than using our bullets,” he added.
His remarks highlight the growing concern over insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, where banditry, kidnapping and rural violence have continued to disrupt livelihoods and displace communities.
Maidoki’s comments come shortly after he officially defected from the APC to the ADC, citing unresolved internal disagreements that followed the recently concluded party primaries in Kebbi State.
The defection adds to a broader pattern of political realignments within the state as politicians reposition themselves ahead of future electoral contests.
While Maidoki did not provide further details on specific security incidents, his statement reflects a recurring theme among public officials who have linked political participation to the need to address safety concerns in their constituencies.
Security remains a major national issue, with several regions across Nigeria continuing to experience varying degrees of violent crime and instability.
Observers say Maidoki’s remarks underscore the pressure on elected officials to translate grassroots security concerns into legislative and policy action, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities.
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As political activity gradually builds toward the next election cycle, defections and shifting alliances are expected to continue shaping the landscape in Kebbi and other states across the country.
